Episode 156 - Coated in Christ

This weekend I cleaned my cooker. As part of cleaning it I also cleaned the pan supports (the metal things on top of the hob that go over the gas burners – yes I did have to google their name). My pan supports are black. No, not dirty, they’re actually supposed to be that colour. I discovered that, as I scrubbed the burnt on crust that covered it with my metal scourer, to reveal what was underneath. I was amazed though, that whilst my vigorous scrubbing had removed all of the dirt, it hadn’t made a single mark on the finish of the pan supports. After cleaning my oven I went shopping. As I got into my car I noticed all the scratches in the paintwork. I couldn’t help wondering why they don’t coat cars in the same stuff they use on pan supports.

 It’s funny how something can be transformed by what it’s covered in. Something prone to scratching can be made tough by what it’s coated in. A cheap metal can be made beautiful my what it’s plated with. No-one covers an expensive metal with a cheap one, nor do they finish a hardy material with something less suitable for its job. But something inferior or unsuitable can be changed into all that it needs to be by coating it in the right material. The Bible talks a lot about being clothed and covered by Christ. That our imperfections are hidden in His sufficiency for all circumstances. So the next time I feel incapable and unbeautiful, unable, insufficient and fragile, I’ll remember what I’m coated in!

Episode 155 - Let Your Light Shine

 Christmas is coming! Over the last few weeks I have noticed more and more houses putting decorations up outside of their houses, but on Tuesday night as I walked home from work there was a huge increase in the number of decorations that lined the streets; in gardens and on walls, bright lights flickering, flashing, and dancing with joy. It felt like something special was coming, like someone special was coming to these streets and everyone wanted them to feel special. I felt special as I walked home that night bathed in the excitement of the first glimpses of Christmas. I imagined that the earth was preparing for their King to come. Of course when Jesus came to earth as baby there was much less in way of welcome, at least in the earthly realm. 

I went to work early the next day and as I walked through the dark streets a very different atmosphere welcomed me. There were no lights on, in the gardens and on the houses. They had all been turned of for the night. The joy and excitement and anticipation that had been there the night before was gone. Today was just another day. As I thought about it, I couldn’t help wondering, do I only let my light shine to welcome Jesus when there are others about see, or do I leave my light on even when no-one’s there.