This morning the sanctuary
was flooded with a bright sunlight
like I had never seen before.
The memories of the elders
could not recall such light either
for the stained glass angel
that pointed heavenward,
was the oldest window
in the sanctuary,
moved into place
over 100 years ago
and had always provided
a warm color in this place.
The angel is missing today
and in its place,
clear glass.
The angel is missing today
and in its place,
clear glass.
The bright light
of the September morning’s sun
was alarming at first
as it poured into the sanctuary.
It made me feel uncomfortable
and somewhat vulnerable
as if the colors from
the stained glass
had always been
a cloak for me …
or a shield of protection.
“You might notice
that the Tiffany angel
is missing.
It is being cleaned
and repaired
and will be back in place soon”
came the announcement
from the pulpit.
I wanted to respond
by saying,
“Ummm, excuse me …
I didn’t know angels
were EVER in need
of cleaning and repair!”
It was then when I remembered
that the stories of the
stained glass windows -
of the Good Shepherd
and the Road to Emmaus,
of the Resurrection and
this lovely old angel
pointing to God -
are reminders
of what we are to share
outside of the walls
of this sanctuary.
Perhaps the clear glass
with the sunlight streaming
into the sanctuary
in such a startling way
tells a story just as important
as the other windows tell …
“See … there …look outside…
there is a world beyond the
stained glass that needs to
hear the good news of
God’s Great Love!”
And those of us
who heed this sunlight,
will point to God
(as does this missing angel)
with our own words
and actions
and love
and we too will risk
becoming dirty
and in need of repair.
In the promise of God’s
repairing and cleansing Grace,
may we respond
to the Light that
that beckons us to
the world outside of the walls.
And yes, angels do become dirty
and in need of repair …
SO BE PREPARED!
(9-11-16 Broad Street UMC / Statesville, NC)
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