Not long ago, we were unable to attend a friend’s funeral. He had been the prayer warrior for us through many difficult times, and so we watched the live stream from another state. Alas, the church interior was so dark that we could barely make out his much-loved family members, let alone others who were able to attend. Sad. And this same problem was experienced when attending a friend’s funeral service in a very well-known chapel. We were all in the dark, so if you were there, we didn’t know.
Last week we attended a reunion concert in a university venue. Upon entering the chapel we were “in the dark”. Any hopes of seeing a long-time college classmate or recognising a colleague were swept away by swathes of darkened pews, with spotlights only on the performers and/or speakers.
The reasons for the darkness appear to be “We can focus better on God, without getting distracted” or “You are able to focus on what is happening up front”.
So please indulge me as I ponder and make a plea.
I believe we should have an opportunity to be distracted—to share, to care, to be there.
How we “feel” (our mood) and what we absorb is not the total reason for worship. Not being able to see (relate to) who else is in the pew with you, or behind or in front, or across the aisle, is rather disconcerting. If your “sister-in-Jesus” has been touched by the message and needs a hug, you wouldn’t have a clue. If your “brother-in-Christ” needs a lift, there’s no way you can be aware, or share a smile.
Nature’s natural light (yes, God-gifted) is uplifting, soul-filling and a reason for joy. A smile springs from the heart and voices enthused when the ”Son” shines in.
Have those who dim the lights ever pondered how it affects the speaker of the day? Because he or she is quite unable to see the faces of God’s children gathered in the pews. He or she is quite unaware of the effects of the message presented. There may be tears of repentance, or smiles of affirmation. Who knows?
When I attend my grandchildren’s school concerts, it warms my heart to see the affirmation from their classmates and teachers. If I attend a movie, I have no interest in seeing the audience. I am totally involved in the plot.
Sitting in our church pews, I am heartened by a smile from Mary, a hand wave from Bill, a prayerful amen from Jim and a comment from Ann during Sabbath school.
Since early childhood, we’ve been singing about letting our light shine. The deeper one delves into such a concept, the more we come to realise that God created the sun and the moon and the stars, for a reason. Mental, physical and spiritual health. Enlightenment. As another writer* so eloquently put it, “We are God’s children, joyfully and expectantly engaging together with the Creator of the universe, and the Redeemer of our lives, in the power of His Spirit. Surely that is something worth shedding some light on?”
Some of our ancestors may have lived in fear, worshipped in darkened rooms and been terrified of their neighbours discovering their commitment. There are still fears for the safety of our brothers and sisters in other lands but prayers for protection are the only gift we can offer for them.
Legally, we live in a country where we are free to worship as and when and how, and why and where we want to.
And just between us—you may be able to read Scripture on your lit-up phone (with all its distractions), but for those who prefer the written word and a Bible or hymnbook in their hands, darkened rooms are truly off-putting.
Read again Revelation 22:5 (ESV): “And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever.” Amen and amen.
*Citing from: worshipmatters.com Bob Kauflin 2015.
Emily Bee is a New Zealand-born, Australian-based retiree who enjoys pondering and writing.
