The Psalmist offers, “For with you is the well of life, and in your light we see light.” In this season of lengthening days, and the promise of Spring parting the shadows of Winter a tiny bit longer each and every day, we begin to see the light of God, and the hopefulness it brings. When we focus on ourselves and the gloom of the season light dims; when we focus on God the light becomes brighter.

Isaiah says much the same but in the poetry. “You shall be a crown of beauty in the hand of the Lord, and a royal diadem in the hand of your God.” You will be a sparkling thing, a gathering of bright gems into a crown of light. “You shall no more be termed forsaken, and your land shall no more be termed desolate ...” You will be in God’s light. 

Paul talks seriously to the Christian people of Corinth concerning spiritual gifts, that light of understanding when God has given you some quality to use in his service. He could see that the gifts given we all different and all given by the same Spirit. He made them to understand that the gifts were to be used to show the light of that spirit to the world. It is the same today as it was at that time.

Some of us are given the gift of knowledge, some the gift of wisdom, some teaching, some understanding; each gift is different in how we show God’s light in our lives to others. None are greater than any other; none are less important, and all should be used, because they have come from the Spirit of God for us to use to show God’s light to the world. 

There was a wedding in Cana of Galilee. Weddings were important, and neighbors, friends and relatives gathered to celebrate. They are important today still, and are celebrated with much joy, eating and drinking. Preparations are made that all would have enough to eat and drink, but it is said, the wine ran out. Mary, Jesus mother took note of it and told her son. 

He instructed, “Fill the jars with water.” ‘And they filled them up to the brim.’

Jesus gift, given by the Spirit within was the gift of miracles. “Now draw some out and take it to the chief steward.” So they took it. When the steward tasted the water it had become wine. Jesus disciples saw this, the first of his signs, and his disciples believed in him. 

The light of Christ entered their minds and revealed his glory. We live in that same light today. Let the spirit in you shine forth. It is a gift.  Amen.

The Rev. George O. Martin is an Ordained Deacon at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 17th and Adams, Great Bend. Send email to georgeom@hbcomm.net.