“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” – Matthew 5:14-16

This morning I want to talk/write a little bit more about light, about shining without reservation, and about “putting it out there” like that kid in the front row of the cherub choir who always sings at five times normal volume or holds her dress up over her head or waves nonstop once they see mom or dad in the audience.

I’m talking about light and enthusiasm both in our preparation for Christmas and in our day-to-day negotiation/navigation of the darkness that is so insistent in this present world.

Kind of like the huge, tall, misshapen tree that sits at one end of the Tarboro Town Common. Max was looking at it the other night and I love how casually comfortable it is with itself. It doesn’t even try to aim for symmetry or balance, it just wears those rainbow colored lights and shines as brightly as it knows how.

Just go for it!

Likewise, while some of the homes in our historic district aim for poise and good taste, I also enjoy the ones that skip the finesse and just go for it! Today, especially in this social climate where there is so much in the way of judgment and distain and censorship and pushback against free-expression, I am all for celebrating regardless. So bring on the light and the colors and even the inflatable Holy Family, Angels and Santas if you have to!

To be clear, I am not a fan of the inflatables, but this year I am all about accepting them, as one more sign of defiance against what I call the sour cynicism of anti-Christmas. If the Advent season promotes Hope, Peace, Love, Light and Joy then this contrary spirit is about negativity, shattered dreams, discord, violence, fear, scorn, darkness, sorrow and dismay.

So please, and this is my challenge this morning, let’s be committed to the positive graces of promise, gratitude and joy, let’s light it up in every way. And while we’re at it, let’s be that kid on the front row, loud and full with enthusiasm, plugged in, over-inflated and ready to shine!

So take that, sour cynicism and contrary spirit of discord and fear. I plan to turn Christmas on, ramp it up and let it shine! – DEREK