Tuesday Tidings, Nov. 18, 2025

Dearest Members of Bethlehem,

“There was a man sent from God whose name was John.  He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him.” -John 1:6-7

I really have to be careful, mindful of what it is that I am saying, because it is so easy for both my internal and external discourse to devolve into whinging and whining.

Truth is, I can just about find material anywhere I look to complain about.  The weather?  Too wet, too cold, too hot, and too dry… see, it doesn’t really matter, anything will work.  The Steelers, plenty there to grumble about, if you are so inclined.

And yes, if the weather and local sports teams fail you, you could always pluck the low-hanging fruit: “What’s this world coming to anyway?”  The quintessential rhetorical question, the one we all ask and already have an answer for, depending on our priorities and proclivities.

But, just for the record, the Gospel of John does indicate to us that there is another pastime available to all of us.  It’s just as easy as flipping the light switch, from off to on, from darkness to light.

John the Baptist had all kinds of things to gripe about, and he did fairly well for himself for quite some time in that line of work.  And then, when Jesus began his ministry in earnest, John the Baptist embraced a new role and enacted a different strategy.

No more of simply pointing out all the darkness in the world, no indeed, he found his true calling… he was in the world to “witness” to “testify” to the Light of the World!

We will never entirely excise the whinging from our lives, but much like John the Baptist, it might behoove us to find a healthier balance.  It can be quite helpful to point out the darkness that swirls about us… but it can be downright uplifting to see and celebrate the ways in which the Light of Christ is at work in the world, actively dispelling that darkness as well.

In that way, our whinging will be transformed into worship.  Praise be to God!      

Question for reflection: Where are you noticing the Light of Christ breaking into the world?

Yours in Christ,

Pastor Dan

Gracious Lord, for generations the faithful have worshipped and served with passionate intensity.  Their convictions were strong and their love transformed the world.  As we live our lives of discipleship, bless us with a healthy balance of humility and boldness, that with the help of the Holy Spirit, we may leave a lasting mark on the world.  In Christ’s name we pray, amen.