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Be a lighthouse Off the Wall Feb 8, 2007
As we round the bend and head into February, many events may come to mind. These may include birthdays, anniversaries, and yes, Valentine's Day. During this festive occasion, wives or girlfriends may shop for gifts for their hubbies or boyfriends, and men of all ages with visit florists or candy stores to purchase something they know will brighten the lives of those they fondly admire. I was quickly reminded of one song that could definitely apply here especially on this February 14 th date. It is called, "Love is in the Air." A matter of fact, there are a number of dates where love is the main theme. This is one of them. As I began to hum the song, for some unknown reason, a lighthouse came to mind. Then the pieces of this puzzle quickly started to come together. Back on December 21 of last year, I wrote my Christmas message titled, "Out of Darkness." I talked about Jesus Christ as being the light of the world and how people can be drawn to this element via various approaches. Now we all know a lighthouse is a tower made out of stone or wood that is wider at the bottom and skinnier at the top with a beacon that evolves with tremendous illumination 24 hours a day seven days a week. Most are usually erected on a point of land to guide seamen by night. No one questions what has been stated is erroneous. Any sailor may say upon seeing such a structure, the blinking light serves as a warning to stay away from the oncoming shore rather than go to it. So, one may interpret the usage of this form of light as being something negative instead of being positive. Don't be so sure. Light always attracts. It sends a signal. It directs those out in the seas to stay clear of the land that may too shallow for boats to journey. But there is so much more to a lighthouse than meets the eye. Its tremendous light rests on a firm foundation. God's love has been proven to be far stronger than anything man made. The beam from lighthouses reaches out to all whom wish to seek its brightness. Christ, the light of the world, is always attentive to those whom call upon Him whether it is to praise Him or seek His help. He will never lead us astray or deliver us into darkness. Knowing that lighthouses exist comfort pilots of vessels. To those whom turn to Christ in time of need know, without a shadow of a doubt, He will give them peace. One often feels a sigh of relief when such light is spotted. In similar fashion, many turn to Christ knowing that all is not lost, but the aspiration of hope exists. Anytime tourists visit seaports in which these structures exist, there is always a certain attraction to want to visit them, photograph them amidst the surrounding beauty or even paint renderings of them. They usually stand tall above anything else in a certain locale. But when it comes to attractiveness, no one is more majestic than Jesus Christ. Not only is His presence known from port to port, but all over the world. So, in my opinion, it thus becomes clear that the song to which I made reference earlier in this column now takes on a much more fuller meaning. Need I tell you, that excites me. I now think of that light upon that building as Christ shining His love out to all who receive Him. We all can be lighthouses. As Christians, aren't we as His disciples told to shine His light to others? Should we display His ray of hope as defined in the Holy Scriptures? We know He loves us. Isn't it His will that we share His love with others? Yes, just as the song implies, "love is in the air," should we limit it to one day of candy, flowers or gifts of one kind or another, or carry it one step further? I can't help but feel that you know the answer to that question already. Again I stress, be a lighthouse. Stand erect and walk according to His Word. Not only will blessings abound from all whom are touched, but God will bless those who draw others to His light. May this Valentine's Day be the beginning of a year full of love.
Paul j, volkmann 12/29/06 |
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