What is the first thing you do when you walk into a dark room?  If you are like most people, you will look for the light switch and turn on the light.  Or if you have trouble seeing in the dark when you wake up during the night, you probably keep a flashlight by your bed.  Flashlights are certainly one of the modern era’s best inventions and they have progressed with time.  The patent for the first commercial flashlight was awarded to British inventor David Misell on January 10, 1899.  At the time it was called an “electric device” and it operated with two D batteries placed front to back in a paper tube with a light bulb and brass reflector at the end.  Several of them were donated to the New York City police force who responded favorably to them but they were not easy to manufacture for the masses so they remained a novelty item until production became more cost effective.  By 1922 several types were available; the tubular hand-held variety, a lantern style that could be set down for extended use, pocket-size lamps for close work, and large reflector searchlight-type lamps for lighting distant objects.  During that time there were an estimated 10 million flashlight users in the United States.  Can you imagine the number today?!

            We need the light so that we can see.  Once a light has illuminated a room, we can move about it with ease, but before that happens, we are stuck in the dark.  Cameras have the same issue.  Unless there is some sort of light source, it cannot “see” the object we want to take a picture of.  However there are several artistic options that photographers can play with in order to produce a picture.  If the light is low the photographer can direct some sort of light onto the subject.  They may use studio lighting but flashlights work too.  Photos taken with a low amount of light are called low-key.  A photographer may also opt to take a picture with a lot of light that almost makes the subject disappear into that light.  These photos are called high-key.  However most of the time photographers look for the right balance of light and dark, or shadows and bright spots when taking a picture.  No matter what the condition it’s in light is crucial for the camera to record the image.  If there is no light whatsoever, there will be no picture unless an artificial light source provides it.

            Through the centuries light has come to symbolize understanding; that is when an idea or concept is grasped or recognized by someone who has not known it before.  It’s the idea that is promoted when we say something has “come to light”.  The information has been revealed and we understand what it means.  The prophet Isaiah wrote about one of those moments when he recorded the words of Is. 9:1-2.  When the land of Israel was assigned to the 12 tribes, Zebulun and Naphtali ended up in the northern region of the land.  Isaiah says that the people have walked in darkness but now they will see a great light and he particularly mentions Zebulun and Naphtali.  This seems to be a curious distinction.  Why not the whole land?  Why not all 12 tribes?  After all, every person needs light when they are surrounded by darkness.  Just ask all those people who own flashlights!  Amazingly this promise was made approximately 700 years before it was fulfilled and the reason why Zebulun and Naphtali are singled out becomes clear when we examine some of the details concerning the life of Jesus recorded in Mt. 2:23 and Mt. 4:13.  Jesus grew up in the town of Nazareth which is located in territory that was given to the tribe of Zebulun and He ministered in Capernaum, which is in the area of Naphtali’s allotment.  God’s Light came into those places just as Isaiah said it would in such a specific way it cannot be missed.

            Photography, faith and the art of seeing has taught me that like a camera, people will not see the image of Christ unless I project some light into their lives.  The world we live in is darkened with sin.  A steady diet of the news will prove that.  But with the light of Christ in us, we can illuminate this dark world.  Paul encouraged the Philippians to be “lights in the world” (Phil. 2:14-15) in the middle of all its darkness.  If there is low light when I go to take a picture, it’s up to me as to whether I’ll use the existing light and adjust the camera or introduce an artificial light such as a flashlight, but nonetheless, there must be light.  It challenges me to think about how I will be a light.  Will I share the Good News of the Gospel with someone?  Will I pray for unsaved family and friends?  Will I be the hands and feet of Christ by giving money or goods (or myself!) to a food pantry, soup kitchen or an organization that helps those in need?  Will I find a ministry in my church that needs help and give my time and myself to it?  Will I be kind to the check out lady, smile at a stranger, be patient with an over-active child?  Whatever it is, whatever choice I make, it’s the image of Christ that someone will see, so I want to make sure that the light reveals the right image and brings them understanding!

Ann H. LeFevre, M. Div.
https://www.annhlefevre.com; Olivetreeann@mail.com; https://www.linkedin.com/in/annhlefevre; https://www.facebook.com/ann.h.lefevre

            When I was young the days between December 1st and the 25th stretched further than the eye could see down railroad tracks heading toward the horizon.  Every year we had an Advent calendar- a picture with little doors you could open to reveal a tiny picture inside.  Even though I could see more and more doors opened as the weeks went by, in my young mind eternity was shorter!  As Christmas day drew closer the air of expectancy increased especially when my mother started baking Christmas cookies and Christmas decorations started to appear around our house.  We all know what it’s like to wait for something whether it’s Christmas, getting our license, voting for the first time, or starting a new job.  Most of the time we anticipate good things, but when it’s something we’re uncertain about, waiting can be stressful or nerve-wracking.

            Imagine then what it must have been like to be an ancient Israelite who knew of Malachi’s prophecy (Mal. 4:5-6) but also knowing that Malachi’s ministry had taken place 400 years earlier.  Over the course of those four centuries your land has been governed by a succession of appointed leaders from super powers such as Greece and Persia.  Now you are under the authority of the Romans who, in order to keep the empire peaceful, rule with an iron fist.  Generation after generation watches the years go by and remembers the promise, but no prophet appears.  Do you think you would lose hope?  It appears that some had, but many had not, for when John the Baptist appears in the wilderness, he immediately draws a crowd and the people recognize him as a prophet.

            The essence of the role of a Biblical prophet is not to predict the future like prophets are expected to do in today’s culture, but in the Bible a prophet’s main role was to speak forth the Word of God.  John’s message was in line with the great prophets of the Scriptures.  The prophet served as the contemporary voice of God to his generation.  As the voice of God, the prophet pointed out religious and social sins and called for repentance.

            The first chapter of the Gospel of John is not only a poetic masterpiece (Jn. 1:1-5); it is also a dissertation on the individual roles of Jesus and John the Baptist (Jn. 1:6-13, 19-23).  It is interesting to note that all four Gospels make mention of John the Baptist which emphasizes the connection the writers saw between Malachi’s prophecy and John the Baptist’s ministry.  In the Gospel of John, John the Baptist is called a witness to the Light, but not the True Light.  That role belongs to Jesus and His title as the True Light not only signifies His authenticity, it underscores His eternal nature as well (v.9).

            John the Baptist’s message is a continuation of the great prophets before him.  Like them, he was called to his ministry by God (Is. 1:1-2; Jer. 1:1; Lk. 3:2; Jn. 1:6).   Like some of them, he preached in the Judean wilderness (Mt. 3:5; Mk. 1:5; Lk. 3:3).  He had the same wardrobe and the same diet (2 Ki. 1:8; Zech. 13:4; Mt. 3:4; Mk. 1:6) and resembled Elijah in appearance.  Like his predecessors he warned his audience that judgment was on its way.  It was time to repent and turn back to God (1 Ki. 18:21; Mk. 1:4; Lk. 3:3).  The people also responded to John the Baptist as they had to Elijah (1 Ki. 18:38; Lk. 3:10).  However there was confusion as to his actual identity (Lk. 3:15).  Was he the forerunner of Malachi or the Messiah Himself?  Inquiring minds wanted to know.   John was more than ready to tell them the answer (Jn. 1:19-34).

            It is with these questions in mind that John (the disciple) writes in his Gospel that although John the Baptist was sent by God, he was only sent to “bear witness of the light” (Jn. 1:7-8).           There is an amazing result when we listen to the witness of John the Baptist and accept that Jesus is the True Light.  When we are enlightened by the True Light, its everlasting nature brings us into a familial relationship with God the Father.  We are now His children, born not of a physical birth but a spiritual one and His light becomes a part of us (Jn. 1:12-13).

            One chilly winter night several years ago my friend Elaine and I went driving around the city of Batavia New York in search of Christmas lights for me to photograph.  We didn’t have to look too hard!  One street in particular was awash in Christmas lights and those blow-up holiday decorations which are lit up from the inside.  We parked and I got out for a little while so that I could take pictures without the vibration of the car.  House after house was decorated in lights that seemed to cover every square inch of available space.  But one house stood out from the rest; not because of its excessive holiday spirit but because of its simplicity.  The house was basically dark with small candles in each window, but in the yard there was one simple crèche scene.  While holiday lights adorned the other houses, the True Light was celebrated here.  It was the brightest spot on the street for me.  This year as you are enjoying the lights of the holiday season and anticipating the celebration of Christmas Day, let the lights remind you of the True Light “which coming into the world enlightens every man (Jn. 1:9)”.

Ann LeFevre, M. Div. 
https://www.annhlefevre.com; Olivetreeann@mail.com; https://www.linkedin.com/in/annhlefevre; https://www.facebook.com/ann.h.lefevre                                                                            

            There is a picture ingrained in my memory of a moment shared between my son Christopher and my granddaughter Leigh when she was about the age of 4.  Leigh was a very determined little girl but like all children she could be easily distracted.  I’m not sure what led up to the moment now, but during one visit Leigh had climbed on to Christopher’s lap to play.  Whatever they were doing the exchange had caught the attention of her grandfather and Jeff was doing his best to interrupt their game.  All of a sudden the game took on a different nature when Christopher cupped Leigh’s face in his hands and turned her eyes towards his with a soft but strong command, “Focus”.  The more Jeff tried to pull her attention away from Christopher, the stronger his voice and gaze became.  “Focus… focus…”, he repeated and Leigh listened.  No matter what Jeff did, she remained fixed on Christopher.  It was a test of wills and Leigh’s was prevailing.  She was determined to stay focused on her uncle no matter what her grandfather did.

            Focus is a key component when it comes to recognizing the subject of a picture.  We prefer subjects to be sharp and clearly in focus so when the subject appears to be out of focus we find it unappealing and confusing.  An out of focus subject causes the viewer to wonder exactly what the subject is or it has them straining to see the details of what is perceived to be the subject, such as a person’s face in a portrait, so that the picture makes sense.  If what we perceive to be the subject is not in focus and some other point in the picture is, we’re confused about what the photographer is trying to say to us.

            In life-matters when we say someone is focused we mean they have a clear understanding of who they are and where they want to go.  Many times the goals they reach are achieved not only by determination but by a focus developed very early on in a person’s life.  Steven Covey, in his best selling self-help book The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, called this “habit” the ability to “begin with the end in view”.  To accomplish any goal, one must stay focused in order to reach the end.  The subject of a picture must be focused.  Even when this general rule is broken in an artistic way, the subject is still compositionally central to the picture and therefore focused.
  
          But if focus was merely about a goal or purpose in life then I would be in a tough spot.  My life has never completely followed the path I thought it was supposed to take.  I have learned when it comes to a focused life in light of faith that it is not so much what you focus on, rather it is WHO you focus on.  It is a rare person who knows at an early age what they are “meant to do” and does it when they reach adulthood.  It can become a dangerous thing to become stuck on a life-goal that involves some sort of achievement or performance.  What if something happens where you are physically unable to accomplish a goal you’ve set for yourself?  I can think of several professional athletes who’ve had to struggle with something like that.
    
        It is in fact an athletic allusion in the book of Hebrews that answers the question, “What should I focus my life on?”  I have stood in the grand stadium in Athens where the ancient Olympics took place.  The white Pentelic marble glistens in the sun and it is easy to imagine athletes and spectators filling the stadium before a race. The crowds chatter and watch athletes stretch and prepare their muscles for the race.  Then the runners gather at the starting line.  In ancient times togas and other encumbrances were tossed aside and left there so that nothing would slow the runner down.   I can “see” the runners take their starting positions, crouched and ready to spring forward like a panther or leopard stalking its prey.  There is a hush that comes over the crowd until a signal sets the runners off and they sprint around the track as if the wind was propelling them forward.  The crowd cheers excitedly as the race is run and then finishes with a round of applause when the finish line is crossed.  I think this is what the writer of Hebrews had in mind when he wrote the words of Heb. 12:1-2. If you have ever watched a runner compete you have seen the power and determination which they display while straining toward the finish line.  That image matches the words of this passage to a “T”.  It is a picture of focus for me.  No matter what event I may be taking part in, that is, no matter what I may be “doing”, the finish line is always Jesus.  He is the focus of my life.

            My focus can sometimes need adjustment.  It’s easy to be distracted and lose focus.  In those times Christopher and Leigh’s game comes to mind.  When my focus needs adjusting it’s as if Jesus cups my face in His hands, turns my gaze towards Him, and says, “Focus…focus…”  Some goals can and will change with time, but my focus must remain fixed.  It’s up to me to keep my focus on Jesus no matter what distractions come my way.  A life focused on Him will always finish the race well (2 Tim. 4:6-8).

Ann H. LeFevre, M. Div.
https://www.annhlefevre.com; Olivetreeann@mail.com; https://www.linkedin.com/in/annhlefevre; https://www.facebook.com/ann.h.lefevre

The following article was originally printed in February of 2011.  While some of the "most valuable" titles may have changed the culture which determines them hasn't! 

          I came across a sad confession back in 2011 as I read through the postings of my friends on Facebook.  A young father wrote of his feelings of failure in this life.  I sensed his feelings were due to that measuring stick we call "The American Dream".   A man is supposed to find himself a good job that pays well and allows him to acquire all the material pleasures of the good life- a home, a car, a refrigerator with an ice dispenser, and of course, a big screen tv.  It is a common feature of life in these United States to place worth on the “stuff” one amasses throughout life. If we are to believe Madison Avenue, people are valuable if they own things of value. 

            What things are considered valuable today?  Back in February 2011 when this article was first published the most valuable athlete in the world was Tiger Woods.  He had amassed $110 million over 13 years through his winnings, endorsements and business ventures. Since then Wood’s life has taken several twists and turns.  I’m fairly certain he is not the most valuable athlete now but he still has the recognition factor going in his favor.  At that time the most valuable home, owned by Mukesh Ambani, was a one-billion dollar skyscraper mansion called "Antilla" in Mumbai, India.  The first 6 floors of this mansion were comprised of a parking garage.  The remainder of the 27 story building housed Mukesh, his wife, 3 children and 600 servants.  The most valuable gem was a flawless, blue diamond estimated to be worth $4 million.  The most valuable car (which could still be driven legally on the street) was a Bugatti Veyron.  It cost only $1,700,000. I’m not sure if these items still retain their titles of “most valuable” but even if something else has replaced them one thing is for sure, you will either think their value is absurd or valid and no matter what you will be basing your opinion on these things by ranking them in some sort of value system.

            The psalmist warns us in Psalm 49 (vv. 16-20) to remember that wealth accumulated on this earth cannot be taken with us when we die, a theme humorously presented in the popular play and movie “You Can’t Take It With You”.  While George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart were probably not thinking Biblically, the catchy phrase is a theme examined frequently in Scripture.  But more importantly than the accumulation of wealth, the Bible is clear that people are not valuable to God because of their valuables; they are valuable because He loves them.  Passage after passage emphasizes that our sense of value and accomplishment must be taken from a different criteria than that of the world.  Oddly enough, the story of Cinderella illustrates what the Bible teaches.  Cinderella's father had married a proud and haughty woman, who relegated Cinderella to servitude after he died.  The "wicked" stepmother repeatedly told Cinderella that she was "common" and of little value.  However when the prince enters the story all that changes.  The extent of the prince's love for Cinderella compels him to search the kingdom high and low until he finds her.  His love demonstrates her value and he goes to great lengths to be reunited with her.

            Jesus told a parable about the same kind of love in Luke 15 (vv.3-7).  A shepherd with a large flock has lost one of his sheep.  Rather than leave it in the wilderness to succumb to the elements, the shepherd searches out the lost sheep and brings the little wanderer back to the fold.   The terrain where shepherds keep their flocks in Israel emphasizes the extreme this shepherd goes to in order to find his little lost lamb.  Rocky, with sparse vegetation and dangerous caverns, the shepherd risks his own life to be reunited with his wayward sheep.  This is a picture of God's love.  He has gone to great lengths in expressing His love for us and demonstrating our value to Him (see Phil. 2:5-8). 

            In can be easy to fall prey to calculating our value in terms of our earthly possessions and accomplishments as my friend on Facebook did.  Whether the times are lean or prosperous our culture places a tremendous amount of value on wealth.  Maybe you have been having similar feelings to that of my friend.  If those doubts should arise, remember, God so loved you, that He sent His Son to save you.   The world and its value system may lead you to believe that you are common.  That is not true!  The prince has traveled throughout the kingdom to find you.  The Shepherd has searched the wilderness to bring you home.  And there is no greater value than that.

Ann H. LeFevre, M. Div.
https://www.annhlefevre.com; Olivetreeann@mail.com; https://www.linkedin.com/in/annhlefevre; https://www.facebook.com/ann.h.lefevre

This year Ready for the Road Ahead is took an additional direction.  It is one that follows the grand theme of sight in all aspects which runs throughout Scripture.  My weekly writings will be excerpts from a book of the same name which should be published (Lord willing) later this year.
 
            When I started to take photography as a serious avenue of my creative expression I found I had one reoccurring pitfall that usually required a visual readjustment to the way I was seeing things.  I didn’t question my talent or ability.  I questioned my gear.  Yes, simply put I suffered from “camera envy”.  I had my little Powershot A560 and I noticed that other photographers had the best DSLRs on the market.  Comparing what you have to what you don’t have, and wishing you had it, happens in every aspect of life.  But I find it is most obvious in photography when it comes to equipment or talent.  It shows itself in questions like, “What kind of camera do you have?” or wistful commentaries like, “I’d be a better photographer if I had one of those cameras”.
  
          Jealousy is an all too familiar human characteristic.  But God?  We are absolutely certain He is never jealous!  And yet He says Jealous is His name in Ex. 20:4-6.  However an important question must be asked, “Is the Lord’s jealousy the same as ours?”  There is a vast difference between the kind of jealousy we experience and the kind of jealousy God expresses in His character.  Our jealousy usually stems from something that we perceive we lack.  God’s jealousy is rooted in His relationship with His people.  Therefore it is important to recognize that God’s jealousy is associated with commands against idolatry (Ex. 20:4-6; 34:11-17) and especially idols that divided their loyalty to Him.
   
         God’s jealousy is best understood in the context of Ex. 34:14 which makes mention of “altars, sacred stones, and Asherah poles”.  The Israelites were told to utterly destroy them.  Our culture tends to look at commands like this and call them extreme. But it is not difficult to see how this command might apply to us as well.  I think it is our human nature to believe we can balance our cultural influences and selfish desires with God’s commands.  For example we may think we can watch violence or sexual behavior in a movie or on TV and not be influenced by it.  We may think that it’s ok to fantasize about another person because no one else will be inside our head when we do- who will know?  No harm done!  However, addiction to pornography is just as rampant in the church as it is outside the church.  And “Christian” marriages fail as rapidly as non-Christian ones.  So, are we really balancing the two?  It seems the culture has a heavier influence on us than we want to admit.  Jesus warned His followers in Mt. 6:19-24 and Lk. 16:10-13 that “you cannot serve two masters”.  God is Jealous because He knows our hearts are easily deceived and once deceived, divided.  We stray after “false gods” as easily as the Israelites did so rather than judge them too harshly by saying, “Why didn’t they get it?!”, we should carefully examine our own level of loyalty using them as an example.
        
    So, is it extreme to “cut down the idols” in our own lives- yes.  But it might be necessary (Js. 4:1-10)!  The context dictates that the Lord might be asking us to do this in order to demonstrate our loyalty and love for Him.  While it may appear to be an extremely difficult task, we have help- the Spirit who dwells in us desires to make us more like Christ- whose loyalty ultimately led Him to the cross.  Paul stated he could “do all things through Christ” (Phil. 4:13) and Jesus promised to send us a Helper (Jn. 14:16-26- especially vv. 16 and 26).  The task of “house cleaning” in order to be faithful to the Lord is not easy, but it is not impossible.  (Rom. 8:10-11, 26; 2 Cor. 5:14-18; Gal. 2:20; Eph. 2:10; Phil. 1:6, 9-11; Heb. 13:20-21).
   
         There is a well-known quote throughout the world of photography which goes “The best camera is the one that’s with you”.  It is attributed to Chase Jarvis who used it as a title for a book he wrote about “the intersection of art and popular culture” which featured images he took with his I-phone.  He had no idea what a host of inspiration this short phrase would unleash.  Some have dismissed it as glib noting the underlying truth that a camera, no matter how simple or complex, will not help someone who’s just not good at taking pictures.  But many have recognized it as a great reminder that whether they have the latest Nikon or a cell phone camera, it is the eyes that see the shot and the photographer who takes it, not the camera.  It is one thing to wish for a better camera but a healthy reality check reminds me that camera envy will not improve my skill as a photographer.  In the realm of photography, faith and the art of seeing if my eyes are being turned by equipment and gear, perhaps it’s time to re-evaluate the role it plays in my life- both creatively and spiritually because it may have become an idol.

Ann H. LeFevre, M. Div.
https://www.annhlefevre.com; Olivetreeann@mail.com; https://www.linkedin.com/in/annhlefevre; https://www.facebook.com/ann.h.lefevre