It is an old story, but it is true, and it is good. The famous British author John Ruskin, one night in his later years, sat watching a lamplighter who, with a torch in his hand, was lighting the lamps on a distant hill. The man himself could not be seen, but the lights would gleam as each one was lighted. Ruskin said to a friend, "That is what I mean by a real Christian. You can trace their course by the lights they leave burning." 

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said, "You are the light of the world... let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in Heaven." (Matthew 5:14-16). Friend of Dial Hope, make today a masterpiece with your contagious enthusiasm, the light of your joy and hope. 

Let us pray: O God of china blue skies and dazzling sunrises, with each new day, your promise of hope is restored. Each day is like the Day of Resurrection, filled with new life and hope. Grant us the boldness to move out of comfortable security to the risk of faith, the joy of service, the laughter of love. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.