I have never really liked the dark. I was one of those over imaginative children, who made way too much of the shadows. I am one of those adults, who dreads the shortened days of winter.
Can it be a coincidence that just when the shortest day of the year comes, it is followed by the celebration of the birth of Jesus? What made the star that heralded Jesus’ birth so wonderfully bright? It was set down in the middle of the dark of the night!
We live in a dark world. Simply watching the nightly news brings the darkness right into our homes. It is easy to fall into despair, hopelessness and fear, as we ponder how great is that darkness.
Terror comes in many forms, from earthquakes, senseless attacks of violence, illness, hard economic times and other intrusions into the peace we so desire. Jesus warned us that in this world, there would be trouble.
In this world you will have trouble.
John 16:33
If Jesus had ended what He had to say with this short statement, we could all just commiserate and note that He told us so. But the good news is that He had more to say!
I have told you these things, so that in Me, you may have peace.
In this world you will have trouble.
But take heart! I have overcome the world!
John 16:33
Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in Me.
John 14:1
Peace I leave with you; My Peace I give you.
I do not give to you as the world gives.
Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
John 14:27
As we ride through the streets this season and look at the multicolored decorations lighting up the night, it becomes easier to forget this is the darkest season of the year. As you enjoy the lights this season, may you remember the One Who came to be the Light of the World.
Look up and see the stars lighting up the nighttime sky. Listen and you will hear His Voice … He has come … He is here. Light your candle and pass it on!
Jesus said, “I am the Light of the world.
Whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness, but will have the Light of Life!
John 8:12
Wonderfully stated – thoughtful & insightful
combination of ideas and images:
the darkness, shorter days of light
and the spiritual light
coming deeper into human reality
with the date selected for celebration
of Jesus’ birthday – using the
Christmas lights as a reminder of the deeper
meanings and importance of “son”light!