The days are so short right now — we slip on our sunglasses for a quick drive somewhere, and the next thing you know we’re turning on the headlights. We pull the blinds against a glaring, low-in-the-sky sun, then a short time later, we’re reaching for a light switch. In the past few days, everyone I’ve visited with comments on how early it gets dark, and how little daylight we seem to have.
All through the Bible, references to light appear time after time. The Old Testament prophet speaks of people who have walked in darkness seeing a great light, a promise of hope. In the New Testament, in the Gospel of John 8:12, Jesus said, “I am the light of the world; those who follow me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” But we wonder — the dark is so pervasive, is there a light that can overcome it?
All of Nature seems to be sitting quietly as the darkness enfolds it, waiting for that light to come into the world again. We have a great need to see and feel the warmth of Jesus’ light on our tired and troubled spirits, and every year, he comes again. How blessed we are to receive such a gift — the promise of Jesus’ presence in our imperfect world, walking with us all the way.
Then Jesus brings us full circle. After telling us that he is the light of the world, he goes on to say, “YOU are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid. Nor does a person light a lamp and put it under a bushel, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. Let your light so shine before others, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16)
So not only do we look for the light, anticipate and expect to see the light, we get to BE the light for all who are waiting and searching for it! Individually, we might feel like a faint little light, but remember how we light one anothers’ candles at Christmas worship, and from little pinpoints, the room becomes filled with a beautiful glow. That’s what we can look forward to!
Your friend in Christ,
Mary Rogers