These are undeniably difficult times in America. Unless you’re on the most impressive news and information fast ever, you’ve probably caught on to the fact that the economy isn’t doing so well. People are hurting. Families are trying to figure out how to keep their homes, keep their kids in school and keep their jobs. College seniors are trying to figure out how to find a job when unemployment is rising.

If just feels like the country’s a little on edge.

It’s times like this when the church should be a bright beacon of hope in an world looking for something to penetrate the darkness. Our light can’t retreat under the bowl. The darker things are, the brighter light shines.

My prayer is that we shine the light of Christ by serving, loving and hoping. Serving the most needy. Loving the whole world, even the people who don’t love us back. And living like we have hope in a King who rules over every day in human history.

We have an opportunity to shine. It may not be the kind of opportunity we would wish for ourselves. But it’s here nonetheless and I pray we can be light for the world.