It was a gorgeous evening to be outside and a throng of Cedar Rapidians took advantage by gathering at Brucemore, a 19th century mansion that is now a historic site.
The event is known as a balloon glow, and it is part of the city’s annual Freedom Festival.
If you have never seen one of these, there really isn’t much to it.
Colorful hot air balloons are inflated and internally lit. They look a bit like giant Tiffany lamps.
People “oooh!” and “aaah!” at their beauty.
That’s it.
Thousands of people attend the balloon glow each year. A few days from now many of the same people and thousands more will gather for the annual fireworks display.
It seems nearly everyone is attracted to the beauty of light shining in darkness.
Balloon glows and fireworks shed new light (no pun intended) on what it means to be a disciple of Jesus.
In John’s Gospel Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12)
But Jesus also said to his disciples, “YOU are the light of the world…to give light to everyone.” (Matthew 5:14)
We who have been redeemed and called into Christ’s family have received the light of Christ to guide us. Now, we are like walking, talking Tiffany lamps displaying the light of Jesus to others.
That’s something to really “oooh” and “aaah” about!
Here’s a picture of the balloon glow, courtesy of Brucemore.
The event is known as a balloon glow, and it is part of the city’s annual Freedom Festival.
If you have never seen one of these, there really isn’t much to it.
Colorful hot air balloons are inflated and internally lit. They look a bit like giant Tiffany lamps.
People “oooh!” and “aaah!” at their beauty.
That’s it.
Thousands of people attend the balloon glow each year. A few days from now many of the same people and thousands more will gather for the annual fireworks display.
It seems nearly everyone is attracted to the beauty of light shining in darkness.
Balloon glows and fireworks shed new light (no pun intended) on what it means to be a disciple of Jesus.
In John’s Gospel Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12)
But Jesus also said to his disciples, “YOU are the light of the world…to give light to everyone.” (Matthew 5:14)
We who have been redeemed and called into Christ’s family have received the light of Christ to guide us. Now, we are like walking, talking Tiffany lamps displaying the light of Jesus to others.
That’s something to really “oooh” and “aaah” about!
Here’s a picture of the balloon glow, courtesy of Brucemore.
Pastor Balvanz
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