Recently, the Oak Dale Covenant Brethren Church had the opportunity to replace the siding on the front of our church building. To complete the project, the old siding and the lighted cross had to be removed. After prayerful consideration, it was decided that instead of reinstalling the lighted cross, it would be replaced with a beautiful cedar wood cross that would better fit the church and eliminate the bug problem caused by the light at night. The old, illuminated cross was placed in the church basement until our recent Spring cleanup day, when unused items were gathered for disposal. Somehow, the cross ended up in the trash pile.
The more I thought about it, the more I felt that this cross still had a purpose. I spoke with the other trustees about taking it and placing it on the side of my old barn. The barn sits high on a hill surrounded by complete darkness at night. There are no nearby house lights, car lights, or any other glow of civilization. This cross would stand alone, shining brightly in the darkness.
After several weeks of planning and gathering help, the vision finally became reality. The day we scheduled the installation, heavy rain poured down as we arrived at the barn with electrical supplies and tools. We worked inside as much as we could and then stopped to pray. Within minutes, the rain ceased, the wind became calm, and the sun broke through the clouds. As we walked outside to begin the installation, I looked toward the eastern sky and saw a full rainbow stretched across the mountain. In that moment, I felt God’s reassuring presence and His blessing upon our effort to glorify Him and point hearts toward Jesus Christ.
Now, if you are traveling south on Route 93 from Keyser, West Virginia, and reach the top of Walker’s Ridge after dark, look to your right and you will see that glowing cross shining on the hillside—a reminder that the Light of Christ still shines in a dark world.
The Gospel of John tells us, “In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it” John 1:4-5 (NKJV). Jesus also reminds us in Matthew 5:14-16, “You are the light of the world… let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Brothers and sisters, our world is filled with spiritual darkness, discouragement, and fear. Yet God has called each of us to reflect the light of Christ wherever we are. Sometimes that light shines through a cross on a hillside, and other times through a kind word, a helping hand, or a testimony of faith. As followers of Jesus, may we never hide the light He has placed within us, but instead shine boldly so others may find hope, salvation, and peace in Him.
Grover Duling, CBC Executive Board
