We are called to let Christ enlighten us, and then to let the light of Christ shine through us. Early American Christians saw this as a call for our whole nation, that we are to be a beacon of light to the world – a good message for this Independence Day weekend!

Dr. Butcher served at the United Methodist Church of Kent from 1983 to 1992. We welcomed him back as our guest as we continue to celebrate our Bicentennial.

King David was ready to settle down and build a temple. But God rejected the idea. God was not ready to settle down and be perceived as being contained in one spot. God wants to stir us up and to avoid becoming content with the way things are.

The “salvation” that Jesus brings is not just a “ticket to heaven.” Jesus saves from all that would threaten to destroy us. We experience the fullness of that salvation as we open our hearts to Christ in faith.

Jesus is the “bright morning star” – the one who brings hope for the dawning of a new day in our lives and in our world.

Where there is a broken relationship, a mediator can bring about new understanding, healing, and a new future. Christ is the Mediator who can bring about healing in our relationship with God, and with others.