Light is the Hope of Creation
December 23, 2009
By the Rev. Mitchell C. Hescox
John 1:1-5 (TNIV)
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of all people. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
Today is December 22, 2009. We have just passed though the darkest day of the year. I’m happy. Darkness is one of those things that never bring me joy. The past few years, months, weeks and even days have been dark times for many people. Even the recent COP 15 Copenhagen Climate Summit had its share of dark moments. As for me, I see a ray of light and hope, and that light is Christ. For far too long, people have been confused and aggravated by the endless arm-twisting and debate regarding climate change. It seems as more information and scientific study emerges supporting the harm we are doing to God’s creation, the more someone else attempts to cloud the real issues with darkness. Smokescreens are darkness meant to confuse, frighten, and hide what true light reveals as truth.
Isn’t that what Christmas is all about? Jesus became incarnate into His creation to light up the world with hope and joy and break through the darkness. Consider some of the people active during Jesus’ time on earth. Pharisees in Jesus’ day blamed the world’s failure on the sin of others and attempted to uphold a legalism that no one, especially the Pharisees, could live up to. Sadducees simply believed life was all about the now and were easily co-opted into claiming faith while continuing to live in the world. Zealots were so self-righteous that they believed they had the right to murder anyone standing in the way of their “true” faith. Essenes believed that they were the only truly faithful people and went into the wilderness to isolate themselves and wait for the world to end.
Sound familiar? These same groups exist today, albeit with different names. This Christmas, just like 2,010 years ago, Jesus’ light comes into the world and drives away the darkness, fear, and confusion. He offers hope and life. Jesus’ light and truth are simple: The lighted way, My Way, doesn’t point fingers at others’ sins, or believe worldly ways are best. Violence doesn’t provide hope, and excluding yourself from creation never changed a single soul. My way is very simple. Love God, love others, and love yourself. And the good news is through me you have the power to love as I love.
So let’s move away from the darkness and into the light. Let’s move from self-interest to God-interest. Let’s move from confusion into confession and then into action by the transforming love of God in Christ Jesus for His creation and all His children. Most importantly, let’s live in hope because of what Jesus Christ has already done.
The darkness is over; the world has seen a great light! Have the same mind and heart of Jesus. Believe because we have Christ’s hope that we will make a difference in caring for the 100’s of millions already impacted by our changing creation.
Romans 15:13 (NIV)
13May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
The Rev. Mitchell C. Hescox
President/CEO
Evangelical Environmental Network
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