Some form of creation account is present in almost every major religion. Oral tradition and archeology suggest a significant “happening” that generated the life process.
In Cherokee thought, the man-spirit Yehowa created the world in seven days at the first new moon of autumn when all the fruits were ripe. In a separate aspect of Cherokee lore, the animals lived in the sky and sent the water beetle down to investigate. She swam the ocean-covered expanse and eventually shot to the bottom and scooped up some mud in her legs and raced to the surface.
Quickly, however, she grew tired and released the mud—just in time—on the surface of the water. The mud grew and grew and formed the land. The parallels to Genesis are obvious. There is value in, and admiration for, creatures of all persuasions—from the water beetle to Jesus.
The creation event, whether viewed through the lens of a “one-shot deal” or gradual evolutionary revelation, is what connects nature’s membership. As for humans—despite extreme theological differences, skin color, political ideologies, denominational affiliation or bad breath, each represents an exponent of holiness.
When was the last time the good news was presented to “all creation?”
What elements of theophany are essential for communicating with difficult persons?
Genesis 1:1-5
Rev. Dr. Chris Ayers
Blackout shades, also called blackout blinds, block 99% of all incoming light. The operative term, for our purposes is 99%.
It’s hard to keep light out. And that’s a good thing - unless you are a light sensitive sleeper.
This Advent I took a photo of a Christmas tree in our living room. The plantation shades although closed, were letting in so much light the picture was overexposed. So I double checked the shades and put pressure on each panel to eliminate as much light as possible. The photo was much improved, but I was amazed at just how persistent and powerful light is.
God’s light is exactly this way. Despite any darkness in us or our life God’s light will not be extinguished or defeated. It is powerful and persistent.
God said, “Let there be light.” Let light remind us of God’s abiding presence and care: morning light, reading light, dental light lamp, car lights, light from the moon and stars and planets, flashlight, street lights, candle light, campfire light, sunlight, laser light – and the "lights of our life".
May congregants have all the light they need to make decisions, parent children, navigate relationships, discern when to help more and when to help less so as not to enable bad habits in people, set a course for the future, and to know what it is God wants them to do.
