Illuminations

Scripture: Ephesians 5:13-14

“But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. This is why it is said: ‘Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.’”

Theme-Setters:

• Christmas-in-July props (basically Christmas, but with a summer-y flair!)
• Christmas music playing in the background as the women arrive
• Table centerpieces to resemble Santa Lucia’s candle wreath crown
• Serve coffee and gingerbread/gingersnaps (similar to ‘fika’ with ‘pepparkakor’ in Scandinavia)

Icebreaker Game:

• Light Relay:
  • Divide into two teams, giving each team a flashlight. Pick a target destination like a closed door or a bookcase. Once you shout, “GO!” they must switch on the flashlight, point it at the target, run/move as quick as they can to it. Then return to their group, switch off the flashlight while handing it to the next person in their team. This is repeat until one team finishes.
  • Emphasize teamwork and the idea of spreading light to others.
  • Reflect on how this activity relates to the message in Ephesians 5:13-14.

Santa Lucia

In the quiet moments of dawn, as the first rays of sunlight crawl up and over the once-blackened horizon of night, we are reminded of the transformative power of light. A single flickering candle brought into an unlit room brings opportunities with it; now illuminated, a cozy reading nook takes shape where once it was dark. Maybe the soft light will help to keep away a child’s scary dreams? Or perhaps the glow of candlelight will lead you to an ancient code along the walls of a windowless dungeon. Light alters spaces. In Ephesians 5:13-14, the Apostle Paul speaks of light exposing darkness, and thereby bringing everything once under the darkness out into visibility. This passage calls us to awaken from our spiritual slumber and allow Christ’s light to be cast over us, illuminating our lives and dispelling the shadows that obscure our path.

When I was a little girl my great-grandma would decorate our home for Christmas. A small, cherished Santa Lucia doll placed upon the mantle was always where my fascination landed. Each year she would recount the story of Santa Lucia to me, whose name means “light.” I may not have fully grasped it then, but now I can see just how wonderfully Santa Lucia embodied the divine illumination that Paul teaches us about in Ephesians. Celebrated on December 13th, Santa Lucia is revered for her unwavering faith and her role as a beacon of light to many. She was a young woman of courage and sacrifice. Her life delivered the hope that comes from the triumph of light over darkness.

Lucia, born in Syracuse, Sicily, in the late 3rd century, was a young Christian woman who dedicated her life to God. During a period of intense persecution of Christians, Lucia’s faith shone brightly. She secretly brought food and aid to Christians hiding in the catacombs, wearing a wreath of candles on her head to light her way. This act of selflessness and bravery can serve as a poignant reminder to us of the light of Christ guiding us through our own darkest of times. But the bravery she had shown had not yet reached its pinnacle point even as she descended into the catacombs; Lucia’s martyrdom came when she refused to renounce her faith and marry a pagan suitor. Her steadfastness in the face of persecution serves as a powerful testament to the strength of faith and the enduring light of Christ.

In many Swedish and Scandinavian families, her legacy is celebrated by the eldest daughter dressing as St. Lucia. She wears a white robe tied with a red sash, a wreath of beautifully lit candles atop her head, carrying a tray of coffee and lussekatter buns to her family on the morning of Santa Lucia Day, bringing light and sustenance to her home.

Light inhibits darkness. Santa Lucia and Paul both knew this, and when you’ve encountered Jesus Christ, you’ll know this too. One can hardly read Paul’s words in Ephesians 5:13-14 and not feel compelled to examine one’s heart and mind for the presence of any dark and cobwebby recesses within. What aspect of your life needs to be illuminated by the light of Christ?

Perhaps you need a reminder that the light of Christ is not merely a gentle glow; rather, it is a powerful force that exposes and transforms. When we allow His light to shine into the hidden corners of our hearts, we experience true illumination. It can feel uncomfortable, certainly; I mean, who likes to stare down their own flaws and shortcomings, anyway? And yet, it is through this vulnerability to our Messiah that we can step into true healing and growth.

Santa Lucia’s example encourages us to be bearers of light in our own families, in our corps, and communities. In a world that often feels overshadowed by darkness, we are called to shine brightly, reflecting the love and grace of Christ. Living out His light with acts of kindness, being a listening ear, or offering to pray for someone in need. Even seemingly small acts of His light have the power to dispel darkness and bring hope to those around us.

This Christmas-in-July, take time to think upon Santa Lucia and the light of Christ that she lived and died for, and most importantly, to square your mind upon Paul’s word to us in Ephesians 5:13-14. Let us commit to living as children of light. Let us wake up from our spiritual slumber and rise to the call of Christ. May His light shine upon us, exposing the darkness and transforming us into beacons of His love and truth.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the light of Christ that exposes darkness and brings everything into His luminous power. Help us to awaken from our spiritual slumber and allow Your light to shine upon us. May we be inspired by the example of Santa Lucia, to live as children of light, reflecting Your love and grace in all that we do. Guide us through the darkness and transform us into beacons of Your truth.

In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen.

Editor’s Note

I’m not sure if you can duplicate the information on the next page. But I’m leaving it just in case you can.

Recipe Printable:

(Intended to be printed double sided, cut out, and placed at each place setting)