Lights out : Candles on

At about 3:45 yesterday (Sunday) the power flickered and went out. Businesses along PCH closed, traffic lights went dark, and I was doing a sound check for worship which was to begin at 5pm.

This past March our church changed our service time from 11am to 5pm. Some of this was preemptive to create space for another church to rent and utilize our facility with us. Some of it was to be intentional about reaching out and providing unique opportunities for worship in the beach cities. For 9 months, gathering at 5pm has been a sacred time. It’s been nice to gather later in the day. It’s been nice to spend time Sunday mornings with family and friends on the beach or at brunch. For 9 months, worship at 5pm has been great!

The move to a later time seemed to have carried little to no significance. As a church, we rather liked the positives it brought. That is, until the lights go out. Gathering at 5pm in the winter and having the power go out causes darkness where a traditional morning gathering, with our east facing windows, would receive plenty of natural light. The power going out in the evening, caused a bit of a scramble.

Lights, sound and electronic visual equipment in the 21st century are almost as expected and needed in the life of the church as the Bible is itself. While our phones and tablets could still provide Scripture; much of life today – needs power.  To be honest, we simply need light!

When the power went out, my first thought was to run back to the office and start printing service outlines, songs to sing, and scriptures to read. But the problem is, when the power goes out – the computers don’t work and the printer won’t turn on.

No power. Five o’clock pm. It’s getting dark.
We scrambled and found as many candles as we could. We arranged them around the room. In bowls of sand on the platform, bowls of sand on the welcome table, bowls of sand on the communion table.

Candles and more candles, stuck around the room in bowls of sand.
In the midst of darkness this Advent season, we were reminded last night that true PEACE is not found in the hustle and bustle we so often create. Peace is not wrapped up in doing things the way they always are done. PEACE is not brought by our mundane expectations.

The Christ child, born into darkness brings the light of Peace.

Last night we were reminded just how simple a flicker of light can be. When we as the community of Christ, who by nature shine his light, join together – we too can brighten a darkened place.

This advent season as you prepare for Christmas, may I encourage you to slow down and experience the LIGHT of CHRIST.

Lights out : Candles on