Have you ever taken a walk at night and looked at the stars and moon and the lights shining from houses? Have you ever been to the beach or on the water at night and seen a lighthouse casting it’s light across the water to keep boats and people safe from harm? The light of a lighthouse can be seen up to 20 miles.
Maybe you have gone by a church with beautiful stained glass windows, like the one above, and seen how the bright colors glowed from within.
This Sunday Reverend ElizaBeth will read the story of Jesus’ Transfiguration, from Luke 9:28-36:
Jesus took three of his disciples, Peter, James, and John and went up on a mountain to pray. While Jesus was praying, his face was changed, and his clothes became shining white. Then two men were talking with Jesus. The men were Moses and Elijah. They appeared in heavenly glory, talking with Jesus about his death which would happen in Jerusalem. Peter, James and John were asleep. But they woke up and saw the glory of Jesus. They also saw the two men who were standing with him. When Moses and Elijah were about to leave, Peter said, “Master, it is good that we are here. We will put three tents here—one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”
While Peter was saying these things, a cloud came down all around them. Peter, James, and John became afraid when the cloud covered them. A voice came from the cloud. The voice said, “This is my Son, my Chosen. Listen to him.”
When the voice finished speaking, Jesus was alone. Peter, James, and John said nothing. They kept silent, and told no one about what they had seen.
The disciples, Peter, James and John, saw Jesus’ face and appearance change. God’s love filled Jesus with light, and they saw him in a new way. They knew Jesus very well, but this day on the mountain changed the way they saw him. They saw Jesus at the top of the mountain, with the ancient prophets Elijah and Moses on either side of him. They heard Moses and Elijah speak to Jesus about what was to come. Peter, James and John heard the voice of God, say: “This is my Son.. Listen to Him.”
The story of Jesus is not always happy. Jesus knew that there were bad days ahead, and he went to the top of the mountain to pray. God’s voice and God’s presence comforted and encouraged Jesus.
There are moments when we experience God’s presence. God is present to comfort and encourage us when we face difficult times; when we are sad, or scared. Is there someone in your life who is always glad to see you? Whose love for you shines out and makes you feel loved and at peace? God is present in those we love and in those who love us. God’s love can fill each one of us with light and joy.
This is the last Sunday before Lent. Kathleen has chosen some wonderful music for this Sunday, filled with lots of Alleluias! While you are listening to the music or sitting quietly, you might enjoy coloring this page as a reminder to “Let your light shine” for others.
As you go through the week ahead, remember these words of Sunday’s closing prayer:
“… it is the Lord with whom we journey, ahead of us, beside us and within us…”
~Peg Koller~