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The wintery Christmas season is about darkness and light.
Many of us want to go forth into the world and bring God’s Light.
We easily see the darkness in the world and we want to “fix it.”
Many of us have believed if we bring enough light to others, our own worlds will be a little less dark.
In fact, the acts of “do Gooding” may simply be ways to try to keep ourselves from considering our own darkness.
Some of the kindest, most loving people I have known brought great light to the world … and then … destroyed themselves in their own darkness.
They committed suicide. And their last act added so much darkness to those left behind.
Jesus was clear that He is the ultimate Light. He already knows every dark place within us. He knows the doubts, the fears, the envy, the lies, the deceptions, the hidden thoughts and acts.
But we do not always recognize those things in ourselves. We say we are ok when we are not. We say we hope for a better day when we really do not believe one is coming.
We have a prepared smile and social facade that keeps everyone believing they would never have to worry about us. We don’t want anyone to know how empty we are on the other side of the smile.
We begin to believe the thin outer veneer can protect us from the darkness. But it can’t.
What can we do? Every day we should pray David’s prayer.
Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me,and lead me in the way everlasting.
Psalm 139:23-24
When He shines His Light on the dark places within us, we then need to admit our powerlessness and ask Him to heal us.
It may be we need to forgive. It may be we need to receive forgiveness. It may be we need to change direction or mend fences or set relationships right.
It may be we need to ask not only for God’s Help, but also human help. We need to be humble and tell someone “I feel lost. I need help.”
The Christmas season can be a trigger that catapults people into darkness.
Whether it is the stark contrast between the merriment of the outside world to their own dark inner world or the darkness that follows the holidays when the external lights are gone, some people will fall into darkness.
So this season, not only pay attention to those who are obviously in a dark place, also pay attention to those who seem to have it all together.
Notice them.
Speak to them.
Call them.
Send them a note.
Tell them what they do matters.
Affirm them as The Treasures of God they are. Let them know you are so glad they are in your world.
Receive The Light!
Be The Light!
Share The Light!
The people living in darkness have seen a Great Light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a Light has dawned.”
Isaiah 9:2
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
Jesus also said,
“You are The Light of the world.
Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Matthew 5:14 and 15
