Dear Trinity Family & Friends,

Light is one of Scripture’s most powerful images for the presence of God. From the first words of Genesis, “Let there be light,” to John’s declaration that “the light shines in the darkness,” light reveals God’s creative and redeeming work in the world. As we begin a new year and our series, Shining the Light in a Divided World, we remember that Christ’s light does not fade with circumstance. It remains steady, even when the world feels dim.

John reminds us that the Word became flesh and made his home among us. God did not shine light from a distance, but stepped into our humanity, our neighborhoods, and our divisions. This conviction shaped the ministry of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. In his 1967 sermon, “A Christmas Sermon on Peace,” preached at Ebenezer Baptist Church, King challenged the church to seek not just the absence of conflict, but the presence of justice and shared humanity. His words help us see how the light of Christ can be lived out in divided times, and they continue to speak with clarity and hope today.

This Sunday, we’ll ask what it means to live as children of light in our own time.

Reflect and Prepare

1. Where do you see darkness in your world, and how might Christ’s light bring renewal there?
2. How does John’s image of the Word made flesh reshape your understanding of God’s presence today?
3. When has someone else’s faith illuminated your path?
4. What habits or fears might be dimming your light?
5. Isaiah says, “Lift up your eyes and look around.” What might that invitation mean for you this year?
6. In what ways can Trinity shine Christ’s light more boldly in Huntsville?
7. How might you practice peace this week in conversation, service, or prayer?

Intentional Acts of Kindness

As part of our series, each Sunday, we invite you to Be the Light by writing down one intentional act of kindness you’ll do in Jesus’ name and place it inside one of the lanterns on display in one of the lobbies, or submit online and we'll add your flame into a lantern. Together, these lanterns will shine with hundreds of promises to love, serve, and bring hope throughout our city.

Join a Small Group

It’s not too late to join a Share the Dream small group as we journey together through Scripture and Dr. King’s writings. Groups meet on Sundays and Thursdays. Visit trinityhsv.org/events for more information.

My prayer is that the light of Christ would shine in us and through us, bringing God’s grace to every place that needs it.

See you Sunday!

Pastor Dedric