I love this version of the Christmas Story. I love the Gospel of John generally, but the first chapter is especially meaningful! My mind thinks in storys and abstractions--so I love it. But, did you notice it wasn't your "typical" Christmas story. There's no virgin birth or angels or trumpets. There is just the Word. Just Christ. Just a light in the darkness.
Think of the darkest place you can imagine. The deepest darkness you've ever seen. No lights in the sky or coming through the blinds. No light on your cellphone or TV. Are you there in your mind? In the pitch black. Sit in the darkness a minute. Breath in and out and soak it in.
Then suddenly in the midst of the darkness a single match lights. That one tiny bit of light changes the look of the whole room. It doesn't take much light to change the face of darkness. A little light goes a long way. That's how our lives are, aren't they? Just a little light goes a long way. Just a little love changes things. Just a little hope can make a difference!
I don't know what you are facing today. Whether the death of a loved one, a health scare, a job loss, the end of a relationship, money problems or more. I don't know why the darkness is creeping in. What I do know is that I know a God who is light in the darkness. A light the darkness will never overtake. As the darkness creeks in look for that light. Look for that hope, bask in the glow--even if its nothing more than a glimmer. As you bask in the glow, you'll be able to reflect it for others.
Thats my prayer for you this Christmas--that you can find the light, the light that shines in the darkness. Do not let the darkness win. Shine the light.
Blessings, love and light to you!
Pastor Emily
2 comments:
"Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine!"
What a lovely image and a lovely post, Emily! Until recently, it was hard to imagine how Christmas could be filled with darkness. It has always been such a joyous, family filled time. However, there is always light in the darkness and this is a lovely illustration of how God can shine His light in even the darkest places. I read a comment in a blog recently that said, "When you hit the darkest place in your life, that is when you are writing the best part of your story." True in real life and the Bible story as well.
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