The Beacon

 

Dear Good People of St. John’s United Church of Christ—

Living our Mission Statement:

“We welcome everyone to be part of our family of faith,
as we share together in God’s love.
By our compassion, we strive to bring acceptance,
hope, love, and peace to all.”

Friends, this month in worship, we have been reflecting on what it means to be Saints Wrapped in Light. The phrase reminds us that sainthood is not about perfection, but about focus — a focus on Jesus and a commitment to live by his teachings.

Too often we think being Christian means simply believing in Jesus or worshiping him faithfully on Sunday. But Jesus never said, “Worship me.” He said, “Follow me.” The life of faith is about action, not admiration; transformation, not just tradition.

In October, we looked closely at the Beatitudes, the words Jesus used to describe the shape of a blessed life — the humble, the merciful, the peacemakers, those who hunger and thirst for righteousness. These are not lofty ideals meant for someone else; they are instructions for us. They show us what it looks like to love in the way Jesus loved.

One powerful example of someone who lived as a saint wrapped in light is Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Dr. King did not simply worship Jesus; he followed him. He let the teachings of Jesus shape his choices, his courage, and his compassion. He loved his enemies, sought peace in the midst of violence, and stood for justice without hatred. His life was a living sermon — a bright reflection of the light of Christ.

When we gather for worship, it is not simply to feel inspired or comforted, but to learn— to be reminded of our calling and to be re-centered on the way of Jesus. Worship is our training ground for love. It is where we remember who we are and Whose we are.

We are not here to complain about the world, or about one another, or even about the church. We are here to become the church — to use Jesus as our tool for life, our pattern for living, our teacher and our guide, for the purpose of transformation.

So, let us go forward as saints wrapped in light — imperfect, yes, but focused and faithful. Let our lives shine with the light of Christ, so that others may see through us the love, mercy, and peace of the One we follow.  See you in worship!

Love Pastor Judine