One Church Thorold/Thorold ministerial asked to pass along this seasonal greeting in time for Easter.
If you are a religious- or community group of any faith and wish to pass along a greeting, email [email protected]
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by: Hilda VanderKlippe, One Church Thorold
I am not the only one who is experiencing darkness in our world right now. This past year I have often felt lonely, missing family and friends and grieving the loss of so many things. Many of you have experienced much greater losses - grief over a loved one who died, loss of employment, business slow down, long-term health issues, mental health struggles due to isolation, and the list goes on.
In the midst of darkness, Jesus said, “I am the Light of the World.” The world in which he spoke these words was also not a pretty place. For one, the Roman Empire dominated the Jewish nation where Jesus lived, and it was not a benevolent relationship.
Yet, Jesus didn’t get rid of the Roman oppression of the Jews. He was not a political leader who immediately changed domestic policy or social systems.
So that begs the question, What did Jesus mean when he said he is the Light of the World?
Jesus was talking about people’s spiritual lives. In the midst of darkness we long for inward renewal. We long for a light to guide us; we long for someone to bring hope when life seems hopeless; we long for peace amid turmoil.
Consider the analogy of a flashlight. On a pitch dark night, a flashlight guides the way. The darkness of the night is still there, but the light, no matter how small, will guide us where we need to go. It will give us the confidence we need to navigate our way in the darkness.
Jesus’s light, like a flashlight, helps us navigate the darkness we find ourselves in.
This weekend, we will celebrate Good Friday and Easter. It is a weekend when Christians remember that Jesus died to pay for the penalty of the sins of the world; he died for my brokenness and yours, too.
His death restores our relationship with God. Romans 5:10 declares “...We were reconciled to God through the death of His Son…” John 3:16-17 proclaims, “For God so loved this world that he sent his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God did not send his Son to condemn the world but to save it.”
So how can we find the light? Believe that Jesus death accomplishes our salvation. Believe in Jesus and his finished work on the cross. Believe in Him and His light will be in you. He longs to light up your life! Tap any Christian on the shoulder, and they will show you the way to the light. Seek out a pastor or a church, and they will point you to the light of Jesus.
Believing in Jesus will not take the darkness of the pandemic away just like a flashlight will not take away the dark of night. But Jesus’s light will guide you through the pandemic. He will give you the peace and hope that will get you through this.
The churches in Thorold want to shine Jesus’s light in this community. Together, they made a video where each church prays for a segment of our community including front-line workers, businesses, agencies, etc. You can access the video here.
We have also put together a guide that you can use to walk in our community and pray. You can access that here.
As you watch the video and read the guide, consider Jesus’ great love for you! Think about his words: “I have come as a light to shine in this dark world so that all who put their trust in me will no longer remain in the darkness.” John 12:46
Jesus wants to light up your life and help you navigate the darkness you may face. Will you invite him in?
Hilda Vander Klippe Village Church, Thorold. [email protected]
