For 48 weeks, I faithfully posted on this website. Then for a couple of weeks I was without a computer; and by the time it was replaced, the busiest time of the year had begun. So, I took a hiatus from weekly posting. Now with this, the 49th post, I shall try to return to the habit of writing weekly for Linda’s WORD’sworth.

This one will be published at the outset of Christmas week, 2025. It’s a season sparkling with decorative lights both inside and out, one of my favorite holiday traditions. Such a delight to see the long, dark nights of winter punctuated by these lights!

They remind me of the Light of the World, Jesus, teaching His followers to let their lights shine so that others “could see their good works and glorify their Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)

They also remind me of the phrase, “a thousand points of light.” It has been used by several authors, including C.S. Lewis, over the last 80 years. It was even popularized by the 41st President, H. W. Bush when he said in 1988, “I have spoken of a thousand points of light, of all the community organizations that are spread like stars throughout the Nation, doing good.”

The connection between light and good works is the topic of “Flash of God,” a poem by Kathleen Tucker, a fellow Parkview resident. (Nearly three months ago in my 40th post, I shared another poem by her). She develops “Flash of God” from a familiar premise to a profound, Christmas climax. I hope that it will move you as it did me.

It is said,

“God is light.”

And therefore,

Since we are “created

In His image,”

I bet that scientists–

When they finally think to check–

Will discover that in that brief instant,

When one person does a great kindness

For another,

And their face “lights up”

and their eyes “glow,”

They emit some kind of

True radiance

And become light,

Just as you would expect,

Given their genetic inheritance,

Their divine DNA–

That brief flash–

Like a camera going off in the darkness–

The flash of God

In the flesh of Man.

MERRY CHRISTMAS,

Dear Ones!