by Victoria Heinecke

Amazing things happen when we come together.

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.
John 13:34-35 English Standard Version (ESV)

Visiting an art museum is great exercise for one’s mind. In Colorado Springs, there is a gallery by Dale Chihuly, an artist who is known for his brilliantly colored glass sculptures.

This is the Orange Hornet Chandelier, the focal work in the gallery. Each bright piece of glass looks like a flickering flame, and is beautiful in its own right. Assembled together, however, the collective work dazzles the eye with a brilliance that is impossible to ignore.

The Holy Spirit – our Advocate, Counselor and Guide – shines brilliantly in each of us.

As individual Christians, we can share the love of Jesus with our God-given talents. Some of our activities are apparent in our community, while others are manifested quietly in the kindness and compassion we share with a single person. We are a flickering flame that darkness cannot overcome.

When we come together, united under the Cross, Christ’s glory shines. Christians are drawn together to love and encourage one another, and to demonstrate that love to all. We are called to be a part of the body of Christ, and are encouraged to spread and show that love to the greater community around us.

(Jesus said,) All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
John 14:26-27

Abba Father, thank you for sending us Jesus and the Holy Spirit, in your perfect time. Help us keep that inner light shining brightly in all of us, so that we may glorify your name in all that we do. Amen.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado