Editorial: Campfire Stories
We’ve all been there before – mesmerized by dancing flames, enchanted by the scent and sound of crackling wood. Yes, there’s nothing quite like a good campfire, and it characterizes the most memorable summer nights each year. But, what makes this environment so appealing? There are many things, but two especially stand out to me: light in darkness and community.
Latecomers to a campfire don’t usually have a hard time finding their way. Even a small light in the woods is obvious in the dark of night. I’m reminded of John’s cosmic prologue at the beginning of his gospel (John 1:5): “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” Perhaps we desire light at night because something in us longs for bright spots in dark days. Our souls long for Christ, the light described here by John. The innate craving for light is, perhaps, more significant than we thought.
While our longing for a campfire may be theologically significant, there is also a communal aspect. Something about the environment of a campfire causes people to bare their souls in a different way. “Testimony fires” are commonplace in Christian circles. Teenagers and young adults gather for hotdogs and s’mores, sing some worship songs, and tell their stories. The serious vulnerability some folks offered regarding their struggles nearly knocked my socks off as a young person.
Why is this? Why are we so willing to share the darkest parts of our lives in the deceivingly casual environment of a bonfire? It’s hard to say, but I have a theory. Those who follow Jesus Christ have some understanding that His Light dispels darkness. The fire’s light might implicitly remind us that nothing is too terrible for Christ’s cleansing, nor too dark for His Light. We feel safe sharing the brokenness of our testimonies because we’re reminded that Christ has already been at work in our lives. Our darkness cannot overcome His Light.
The stories we tell around the campfire matter. They matter even more when they share what Christ has done and is doing in our lives, the church, and the world. So, the next time you spear a marshmallow at a fire, take a moment to be grateful for Christ’s redemptive work and the community in which He has placed you.
“The people walking in darkness
have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of deep darkness
a light has dawned.” (Isaiah 9:2)
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