Once again Jesus spoke to the people. This time he said, “I am the light for the world! Follow me, and you won’t be walking in the dark. You will have the light that gives life.” – John 8:12

Today didn’t set up looking like a paparazzi Sunday. But then a few things grabbed me by the spirit and out came my phone.

Most importantly this was World Communion Sunday. To me, this is an especially meaningful celebration because our family – and my heart – carries deep world roots.

We have strong ties to England, Scotland, France, Germany, Italy, Ukraine, Central Asia, Hong Kong, South Africa, South America and more. I may travel proudly on my U.S. passport, but first and foremost (and just like billions of my brothers and sisters) I am a citizen of Planet Earth.

We are all “God’s Chosen People”

My friends Jane and Ray prepare the elements for communion, and this week they collected several different loaves of bread representing cultures and people from all over the world. The basket of bread said one thing very clearly – “Christ is for the World.”

I’m not sure what you think, or what rules are imposed at the church you attend, but at Wake Forest Presbyterian Church we make a big deal of the fact that our communion table is wide open, and available to absolutely everyone. Christ’s invitation is always, “Come.” It’s not an invitation qualified or restricted by some kind of a test.

I appreciate the way the Amplified Bible parses the words of Jesus. “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavily burdened by religious rituals that provide no peace, and I will give you rest, refreshing your souls with salvation” (Matthew 11:28).

I enjoy watching the congregation come forward to be served. I can literally see how the bread and the wine provide refreshment. Sometimes I even witness burdens slipping off people and falling to the ground around the table. Always I am aware of lighter spirits and peace and refreshment.

Baptized in Light:

Rebekah preached about light. It was one of those powerful messages I’d recommend you set aside a few minutes to watch/listen (Click on this sentence to see). Among many great sound-bites, she painted the picture of Christians literally shedding light as we leave the church and go on our way. I left the church with this image in my mind – of people being soaked in light, with droplets of luminescence cast off from us like water from a dog when it shakes its whole body after a bath. Baptized not in water but in light.

Oh I like that! Baptized in light. Saturated in the light of Jesus! Shedding light along the way.

Baptized in light. Saturated in the light of Jesus! Shedding light along the way!

That’s the word I want to leave with you. Get baptized in light, saturated, powered up, refreshed.

– DEREK