A flicker of hope...

You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
​~ Matthew 5:14 - 16
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Years ago one of the men that we would see on the streets of Houston, invited me to come and spend time with he and his girlfriend under a bridge where they were temporarily living.

As I made my way, I noticed a small tree branch, loaded with tinsel. Just tinsel! And then I noticed next to a candle, leaning to one side, and pitted by small pebbles, shining in the darkness, they had made a makeshift nativity scene. It's probably one of the most meaningful "cradles" I had ever seen.

Three small figures made of popsicle sticks, gum, and various items found on the street. A bus token served as the base for the cradle.

The figures wouldn't even be something of interest, but to them, they were the tiny mother, a father, and the vulnerable infant king.

Then I noticed the shadow of the figures on the concrete embankment thrown by the candle. The light danced as cars stirred the air above, but it was clearly the Nativity.

Their shadows were signs of hope. Hopeful shadows against the walls of life and world.

Without the flicker of the candle, there was not much to see. Without the light of Christ, we continue to be simple figures walking in darkness, but everything changes with the light.

​Stay in God's grip!

G. Todd Williams (c) 2018