“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.”
Matthew 5:14, ESV
As Jesus was teaching His disciples, He was calling them out to be different than the world. In ancient times a city upon a hill would be seen as a place of refuge. It would be protected from attack as it would have a better perspective of all that was around and a greater stand to defend herself. We, as followers of Christ, are meant to stand as a refuge for those who are seeking refuge. We are the bearers of the eternal hope that comes from Christ, and in our lives, we carry the gift of the good news of forgiveness and salvation for all who believe and trust in Christ and Christ alone. We proclaim the promise given to all who enter the saving waters of baptism, the hope of having all sin washed away. As followers of Christ, we are called to shine brightly and are meant to seek to be powerful ambassadors to our Lord and King. In this process, we enable people to know peace and help them to be comforted in their grief. It is our calling, and it is a gift given to us in our rebirth from being dead to eternal life.
Let us pray. I thank you, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, your dear Son, that you have kept me this night from all harm and danger, and I ask you to protect me this day also from sin and every evil, that in all I do today, I may please you. For into your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all that is mine. Let your holy angel watch over me, that the wicked foe have no power over me. Amen.