Pastor's Corner

A Light

If you grew up in the 60’s like I did, you will know what I am talking about. To the young whipper snappers in our church body and to those reading this newsletter in faraway places, you may learn a new thing!

Not only did I grow up in the 60’s, but I also had five older brothers. I watched and learned from them in many aspects of life. And because they were older than me, I copied many of the things they did because it was “groovy!” (How long has it been since you heard that word?) There were so many things that they did that I thought were groovy and “far out!” One was long hair. My parents did not let me “grow out” my hair until I was in 8th grade though. Bell bottom jeans with dingo boots were all the craze. And what would bell bottom jeans be without a tie-died t-shirt to go along with them? And of course, what would that look be without the music? Yes, I listened to the Beatles, the Byrds but was never a Rolling Stones fan. But I also need to interject at this point, all the music changed on Saturday nights when the family would gather around the 20-inch black and white T.V. to watch the Lawrence Welk Show. In all fairness, because of the Saturday night ritual, I became a fan of Big Band Music to this very day.

Now with all the groovy things that were giving me “inspiration” in my young life, there is one thing that stood out more than anything. The “Hippy Dripping Candle.” My brother Tom brought that into my life. The drippings would get thicker and more colorful each time I would burn a candle. The more different color candles the better. They were amazing.

The one rule in our house was that you could not light the candle before going to bed. (That rule was often broken!) On many Friday and Saturday nights, I would light the candle after my parents went to bed and be amazed at how the one flickering flame could light up the entire bedroom. My next-door neighbor friends, Jesse and Raymond, would see the light and talk about it the next day. That candle would make a statement that Paul was lighting up his room!

Today, I pray I am still giving off a “light.” So many professing Christians keep their salvation story to themselves and do not let The Light of Jesus shine. One might say that they are too shy to give testimony or even might say that they do not want to sound “preachy” to their friends and family. Yet, Jesus said Himself in Matthew 5:14-16 “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” This world is living in so much darkness. Let The Light of Jesus of your testimony shine as a beacon of hope to those around you. Be “groovy” and let all your friends, co-workers and family know that Jesus is living inside of you! (Footnote… I still have two hippy dripping candles! 😊)

Blessings,

Pastor Paul