A Virtual Church

Light of the Moon

May 18, 2011

"You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid. Nor does one light a lamp and put it under a bushel, but on a stand and it gives light to all in the house. Let your light so shine before others that they may see your good works and give glory to God in heaven." Matthew 5: 14 - 16 The Neuse River where we have had a house for 42 years is nearly five miles wide as it readies itself to empty into the Pamlico Sound. Here the river runs east - west, so we are privileged to see both sunrise and sunset over this wide expanse of water. Last night about 4 a.m., Toasty did his "gotta go" tap dance in the bedroom - on wood floors - to the point that sleeping was not an option. So I got up, took him out, and sat on the front porch swing waiting for him to tap himself home. The moon was full and the earth below was luminescent in its glow. The full moon indeed "gave the luster of midday to objects below." (Thank you Clement Moore.) The calm water, the gentle breeze, the lapping of waves and the occasion sound of a bird were not lost in the night, but alive and known in the gentle light that covered us all. Awakening to a realization of truth is a good thing, even at four in the morning. When I looked at the moon, I realized that the moon just shows up, is cast in the right role and set in the right place to catch the light of the sun where the light begins. The moon so shines before us that all creation gives glory to God in its light. All through the darkest night, the moon shines the goodness of God. The light of Christ is known in the world only as we reflect it in our lives through our goodness and praise. Christ is the light of the world.... and in Matthew, Jesus says, "You are the light of the world." Son and moon together light up the world that lives in darkness. The moon bows to the sun, acknowledging that its role is reflection. But the moon does its work in beauty and is effective in the night shift. This day and all through the night, let your light shine before others that they may see the glory of God through you. When the lights are on, bad things lose their power. Sun, moon, and stars of night shine down and brighten our day. Come, Lord Jesus!

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