For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness,righteousness and truth). – Ephesians 5:8-9

My last serious beach photo features the full moon we witnessed August 18, hanging out over the ocean, illuminating the last few hours of our wedding anniversary. Standing out on the deck, overlooking the Atlantic, watching the enormous moon rising – it was the perfect way to round out the day.

I’ve always thought the moon represents a sound theology of light. It doesn’t generate any light of its own, but – so long as it keeps its face turned to the Sun – it shines with a signal beauty.

The moon is, in a sense, a child of the light. God is generous with us, and Jesus even encourages those of us who follow him that we are, “The light of the world.” But it’s not our light, it’s God’s; we are simply vessels, reflectors, channels for the good news of the Gospel of Love.

“You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” – Matthew 5:14-16

We simply can’t pull off something that important on our own. We need one another; we need the Body of Christ. We need the encouragement, the support, and the accountability of our sisters and brothers. That’s the community of faith; that’s what Wake Forest Presbyterian Church is to us.

We miss each and every one of you this morning. Keep shining – DEREK