{"id":921,"date":"2014-12-24T01:00:33","date_gmt":"2014-12-24T01:00:33","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.followgreg.com\/revdonaldng\/?p=921"},"modified":"2020-12-02T02:08:57","modified_gmt":"2020-12-02T02:08:57","slug":"loves-true-light","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.followgreg.com\/revdonaldng\/loves-true-light\/","title":{"rendered":"Love\u2019s True Light"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Isaiah 9:2-7<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

December 24, 2014<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sermon preached by Rev. Donald Ng at the First Chinese Baptist Church in San Francisco.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many people lost electricity a couple of weeks ago when we had a huge rainstorm that shut down transportation and closed schools. But people today are rarely in real darkness. We have flashlights and batteries, generators and old-fashioned candles. We light candles even when we don\u2019t need to just for the ambience of the warmth of a glowing candle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But there\u2019s a remote Norwegian village of Rjukan (re-oo, kan), west of Oslo, in the mountainous interior of that wintry land that did not have light. Rjukan is situated at the bottom of a narrow river valley, hedged by steep mountain slopes. There never would have been a village in that shadowed place at all, were it not for the river. In the early 20th<\/sup> century, an industrialist named Samuel Eyde was seeking cheap hydroelectric power for a new fertilizer plant. Rjukan\u2019s location suited his needs exactly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The factory offered plenty of employment, but at a certain human cost. The steep mountain walls made Rjukan a gloomy place. During the long Norwegian winters, when the sun barely rises over the horizon, the people of Rjukan live in perpetual twilight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The effects of the human spirit were predictable. Ryukan was a dark, depressing place to live. Eyde tried to make things better; constructing workers\u2019 houses as high up the mountain slopes as possible. Eyde even constructed a cable car, so his workers and their families could make occasional trips upward, into the sun.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The idea of reflecting sunlight into the valley with mirrors was first introduced by one of Eyde\u2019s bookkeepers in 1913. It was merely a dream at the time, but a century later, technology made it a reality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Last year in 2013, at a cost of nearly a million dollars, three immense mirrors were constructed atop the surrounding peaks. Carefully situated to catch the maximum amount of sunlight, their angle adjusted throughout the day by solar-powered electric motors, Rjukan\u2019s mirror array now reflects winter sunlight down into the valley.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The change in the quality of life has been dramatic. Even the opponents have been won over. What was once a parking lot in the village\u2019s center has become a town square, a bustling hub where neighbors pause to socialize. This rarely happened in winters past, when villagers hurried from building to building with downcast eyes, collars raised against the bitter wind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When the mirrors were first installed, townspeople delightedly donned sunglasses and unfolded beach chairs in the parking lot, tilting their faces upwards toward the light. Now benches grace the sunniest spots. The town is considering installing a fountain to make the square even more of a gathering place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The citizens of Rjukan once walked in darkness. Now\u2014thanks to the high-tech science of their mountaintop mirrors\u2014they see a great light.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Isaiah & Christ<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The prophet Isaiah never knew a Norwegian winter, but he didn\u2019t have to. Looking hopefully to the birth of a messiah\u2014the new king Hezekiah, who would rule over his people with justice and kindness\u2014the prophet compares this good news to the return of the sun. Isaiah was calling his fellow Israelites who have lost their way by practicing forbidden religious practices and entangling with foreign powers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But the people of Israel have not been completely abandoned by their God because the people have seen a great light, the birth of the savior-king. Isaiah delivers this oracle to a people who walked in darkness and now sees a great light. Those who live in the land of deep darkness are now shined with light.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jesus Christ was born into the world to save the light-starved villagers of Rjukan. Jesus Christ came to save those who lost power two weeks ago. Jesus Christ was born into the world to save people like us who have come out tonight because we have darkness in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jesus himself said he was the light of the world: \u201cAgain Jesus spoke to them, saying, \u2018I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life\u2019\u201d (John 8:12<\/a>). Jesus is not only the Light-Bringer; Jesus is the Light! But, as the one who brings the light, what sort of light does Jesus bring?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For the past 4 Sundays, we have lit one of the Advent Candles of hope, peace, joy and love. Let\u2019s explore what each candle means for us today as we live in the land of darkness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hope<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jesus brings the light of hope. The candle flame is a very popular metaphor for hope. Whenever there\u2019s been a tragedy and frankly, all of us have seen too many in recent dark days, mourners would light and leave candles at the tragic scene. Candles are being lit at the place where the two New York City police officers were killed this past week. It seems like the lighted candles can cast out the shadows of dying and crying.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Light brings hope. When dawn breaks and darkness flees, hope returns to the human spirit. Sometimes we say, \u201cLet\u2019s just get through the night and all would be well in the morning.\u201d Most of us are happy when the sun rises. We have renewed hope that the new day will bring many blessings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jesus is our light who brings hope. His birth reminds us that there is hope for the world. His birth reminds us that he brings the hope of salvation. His birth reminds us that he offers the gift of eternal life. His birth reminds us that in our bleakest hour, he is as close as being beside us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Peace<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jesus brings the light of peace. Isaiah yearns for a king who will push back darkness by force of arms. We now know this to be impossible. While human armies may briefly serve the cause of justice, in the end they fail to deliver a lasting light.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As long as I can remember, America has been at war. It seems that the more wars we wage, the more terrorism rages. After the killing of unarmed Black men, we have seen die-ins, sit-ins, and freeway shut-downs, many and different attempts to bring about attention to this injustice so that these efforts may lead to understanding and peace. Last night a burglar who happens to be a Black man was shot dead by a white police officer in St. Louis. When will we see peace in the land?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jesus comes as the light of peace not as a mighty warrior, but as a helpless infant. The theologian Jurgen Moltmann said, \u201cIt is not the pride and strength of the grown man which are proclaimed on the threshold of the kingdom, but the defenselessness and the hope of the child. The kingdom of peace comes through a child, and liberation is bestowed on the people who become as children: disarmingly, defenseless, disarming through their defenselessness and making others defenseless because they themselves are so disarming.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Joy<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jesus brings the light of joy. The angels said to the shepherds, \u201cDo not be afraid; for see\u2014I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord\u201d (Luke 2:10<\/a>). \u201cGood news of great joy.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We know that during the holiday season when people feel especially lonely, there is often great depression. We suffer from all of the side effects of being depressed and our health and spirits falter. We withdraw from our friends and loved ones and don\u2019t want to get out of bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tonight Jesus brings the light of joy into your life to change everything. It is not only important that Jesus was born into the world, but that Jesus is born in us! When we follow Jesus, when Jesus abides in us, we, too, can experience the deeply, satisfying joy that he brings. Our faces lighten up and we are alive! When was the last time you really felt joy in your heart? Tonight Jesus brings you the light of joy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Love<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jesus brings the light of love. A fire is often used to describe love. It\u2019s a warm fire on a cold, wet winter\u2019s day. Keep it stoked and it stays alive. Let it lie fallow, and don\u2019t expect it to last. We all know that when you have love in your life, you have light; when you don\u2019t, you feel as though you\u2019re in darkness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of the reasons why I like Christmas is that we go out of our ways to greet and treat each other more kindly and respectfully than we normally do. People are more generous and want to share love in the world. We liberally say, \u201cMerry Christmas\u201d to people on the street. The Chronicle <\/em>publishes the names of people who give to the \u201cSeason of Sharing Fund.\u201d We feel that there\u2019s more love even if it is only for the season because we have the hope that someday God\u2019s love made evident in Jesus Christ will last year round and forever.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Last week I was in Stonestown waiting for a Baptist minister to meet me for coffee. He flew in from LA and got lost and ended up in downtown San Francisco. While I was waiting outside Nordstrom\u2019s Caf\u00e9, an older man with a cane came over and asked if he could share my bench. I said of course. Not me, but he was friendlier. He asked me about my background not because of what I thought he was trying to do (denying my US citizenship) but rather he was more interested in sharing with me who he is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He is in his 90s and fought in the Korean War in the US Army. I told him he is blessed to have a long life. Originally, he is a Jew from Germany whose parents sent him to Israel to avoid the Holocaust. He asked if I have been to Israel and I said 3 times! His name is Mordecai to which I said a very good Jewish name. Mordecai and Esther saved the Jewish people. He asked if I had a Christian name. I said I have a Celtic name, \u201cDonald\u201d but he quickly said that\u2019s a Jewish name deriving from \u201cDaniel\u201d and the lions. He asked me if I knew about Daniel in the lion den to which I said, \u201cSure do!\u201d I never knew that my name, \u201cDonald\u201d is in the Bible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I bid farewell to my new friend after my Baptist minister called me. But in the spirit of love and respect for each other, I have a new friend at Stonestown. I wished him \u201cHappy Hanukah\u201d and he wished me \u201cMerry Christmas.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jesus is the light of the world. That light is love. His very birth is occasioned by the love of God. Jesus\u2019 love brings light to our world, even as our love brings light to the world of others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The villagers of Rjukan in Norway sat in darkness. Then a great light shone upon them. If you were to poll any of the residents, they might say that this light gave them hope, brought them a sense of peace, lit up their faces with joy and empowered them to love once again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The light of the Christ-Child likewise brings us hope, peace, joy and love.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let us pray.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shine into our hearts, Eternal Light. Illumine us with the radiance of your glory. Banish our fear and dispel our darkness that we may trust you wholeheartedly and offer ourselves gladly in your service. Quiet us on this holy night that we may experience the miracle of the Incarnation anew: God becoming human, love taking on hate, weakness overcoming the powers of the world. May we see in the tiny face of this newborn the gift of the ages being offered to us\u2014life with you, life without end, life that is hope and peace and joy and love. Amen.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Isaiah 9:2-7 December 24, 2014 Sermon preached by Rev. Donald Ng at the First Chinese Baptist Church in San Francisco. Many people lost electricity a couple of weeks ago whenContinue readingLove\u2019s True Light<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_coblocks_attr":"","_coblocks_dimensions":"","_coblocks_responsive_height":"","_coblocks_accordion_ie_support":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[19,11,30],"class_list":["post-921","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-donald-ng-sermons","tag-christmas","tag-fcbc","tag-isaiah"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.followgreg.com\/revdonaldng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/921","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.followgreg.com\/revdonaldng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.followgreg.com\/revdonaldng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.followgreg.com\/revdonaldng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.followgreg.com\/revdonaldng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=921"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"http:\/\/www.followgreg.com\/revdonaldng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/921\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2131,"href":"http:\/\/www.followgreg.com\/revdonaldng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/921\/revisions\/2131"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.followgreg.com\/revdonaldng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=921"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.followgreg.com\/revdonaldng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=921"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.followgreg.com\/revdonaldng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=921"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}