Let Your Light Shine Before Others

Dear Pali Pres,

This coming Monday marks the anniversary of the debut of “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood,” the longest running children’s program on television. Premiering on WQED in Pittsburg in 1967, Fred Rogers’ show introduced generations of young children (including me!) to ideas of kindness, peace, diversity, and even death and grief. As Fred Rogers once said, “The world is not always a kind place. That’s something all children learn for themselves, whether we want them to or not, but it’s something they really need our help to understand.”

Led by this conviction, and a heart for ministering to children, Mister Rogers created and hosted his TV program which helped children feel valued, safe, and special.

An ordained Presbyterian minister, Fred Rogers continues to serve as an example on how important it is to spread God’s love, especially to our children and youth. In this world that is so full of ugliness and pain, it is vital that we as God people use whatever gifts we have to bring forth peace, understanding, and hope. We may not all be good with children, and we may not all be ordained ministers, but we have each been given gifts and talents to make this world a better, more friendly place. As Jesus said, “You are the light of the world…No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.”

So, members and friends of Pali Pres, remember—you are the light of the world. Let your light shine before others!

Grace and Peace,

Pastor Matt

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