“This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all.” -1 John 1:5
In the spring of 2023, my family’s community experienced a devastating tornado. Our schools, several businesses, and many homes were damaged. As the storm passed through town, we lost power. The lights went out in our house and all around the community. Although our house was without power for a short time, many went several days before their power was restored.
It was a long night waiting for the sun to rise so we could see the damage and start working to recover. As we sat in the darkness, we wondered so many things. Was anyone hurt? How much damage was there? When would the lights come back? It was not long before we began to see groups organizing to help. The community was informed through social media that volunteers should meet at a local church in the morning. Even in the darkness, the light of hope was already beginning to shine.
When the sun rose the following day, we could see the full extent of the damage in the community. We immediately knew it would take months to recover. Thankfully, our house had no real damage. We gathered at the church with other volunteers and prepared to help our neighbors. Looking around that morning, I realized electricity was unnecessary to overcome the darkness. The light of God’s love was bringing hope to our community.
The Apostle John was writing to the early church, which often faced trials of many kinds. He made it clear that from the beginning, God’s love had been the light in the world. John would write, “God is light; in him there is no darkness at all.” There is such comfort and power in God’s presence. When we care for our neighbors, we reflect the love and light of God to the world.
I am thankful that our electricity was quickly restored. Volunteers cut trees and hauled away debris for days. The power company worked around the clock to help bring power back to everyone. However, we were never truly in the dark. The light of the world was with us, and as we served together, that light was seen and known by all.
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” -Matthew 5:16
Rev. Keith King, Pastor of Worship
