Hidden Away

“Is a lamp brought in to be put under the bushel basket, or under the bed, and not on the lampstand?” Mark 4:21

Snow! The first snow of the year fell overnight, a beautiful blanket covering the ground. It won’t last more than an hour or two. Still, it’s a lovely sight, a fresh coat painted upon the tired earth.

It makes me think of how we’re hidden away these days, tucked within our houses as we seek to stay healthy and slow the spread of COVID-19. Here at the Dispatch offices, the staff is fully committed to sheltering-in-place as much as possible. It’s hard during the holidays. There’s so much we want to go and do, so many people with whom we yearn to celebrate. But for now, we stay inside

Today’s New Testament verse from the Daily Texts speaks of hiddenness. Do you light a lamp to hide it under the bushel basket? Every Sunday school child knows to yell, “No!” Or, in the words of the funkier camp version, “Are you crazy?” Jesus calls us to shine brightly, not to stay hidden. Paradoxically, we shine brightly now by staying apart.

This Thanksgiving week, I’m focused on how we can more brightly shine the lamp of faith our home. Neither snow nor staying home nor anything else in all creation can diminish the light of Christ. May you feel God’s presence revealed in your home this week.

Be well, friends. You are loved.

God of light, not even death could diminish the light of your Son, who shines brightly now as the risen Christ. May his light illuminate our lives. May our lives reflect his love to others. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Image: Snow!