For November 9, 2008

Scriptures:
Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25
Psalm 78:1-7
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
Matthew 25:1-13

Theme: Tending God's Light

Hymns: 55 Rejoice, You Pure in Heart
376 God, We Thank You for OurPeople
369 Keep Your Lamps Trimmed and Burning

Sermon Title: From Generation to Generation

A summary of the scriptures: The reading from Joshua is about a crossroads for the Hebrew people: Chose this day whom you will serve; as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." The psalm is a celebration of the faith of generations: Tell your children what you learned from your parents, so that they set their hopes on God. The epistle lesson is a comforting message from Paul to the church in Thessalonica, regarding those who have died. The gospel lesson is the parable of the bridesmaids with thier lamps-- some brought extra oil and some didn't and those who were prepared met the bridegroom and those who had to go shopping for more lamp oil were left out in the cold. So keep your lamp trimmed and burning.

Tending the light, passing the torch, these are the images for the day. Light is a metaphor for wisdom, and a sign of God's presence, and a symbol of the Holy Spirit. God spoke to Moses from a burning bush, and guided the Hebrew people as a pillar of fire. The Holy Spirit appeared on pentecost day as tongues of fire. The motto of my alma mater, Elmhurst college, is taken from a psalm: In lumine tuo, videbimus lumen. In your light, we shall see light.

Have you been thinking of those people in your life who have shared the love of God with you? On Thanksgiving Sunday, November 23, we will be collecting an offering of thank you notes, to be mailed to those people. These are some the "saints" who have tended the light of God's love to keep it for future generations.

How are you engaged in tending the light, and sharing God's love with the next generation?