Wednesday, December 4, 2002
Wednesday, December 4, 2002
In the daytime he led them with a cloud, and all night long with a fiery light.
Jack Jones was a Welsh coal miner's son. In his
autobiography, UNFINISHED JOURNEY, he tells about a terrifying
incident that occurred when as a boy, he was in a mine shaft when
something went wrong, and the men were obliged to find their way
out another way.
They struggled through a labyrinth of old workings and a
stagnant pond. Jack's father, one of the best miners and a
devoted parent, took Jack on his back and led his fellow miners
over dangerous ground.
In the foul air, the flames of their open lamps began to
weaken.
"Careful, Son, you hold fast round Dad's neck," he said
as they reached the dark water. Slowly he was tracing his way
through the murky water which was almost up to his chest.
Across the water, they started up a steep incline.
"Won't be long now," he said. After they had climbed for
some time, he stopped, knelt and pointed. "Look, son."
And there seemed to be a bright disc, about the size of a
half dollar, on top of what appeared to be a distant mountain.
"That's what we've been looking for, son--the light of
the world. Come on!" And the light grew in size as they climbed
their way to the world's surface.
(Psalm 78.14
NRSV)
Look to Bethlehem. Stop for a moment before the manger.
That is what life is all about. It is not about greed and lust
and hatred and revenge. It is about concern for the least and the
lowest. It is about simplicity and beauty and love. It is about
nations beating their swords into plowshares and their spears
into pruning hooks. It is about lives of righteousness, harmony
and peace.
Dear God, continue to show me more clearly the way to your light. Amen.
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