“To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.” (Luke 1:79 KJV)
All over the world, in many cultures, candles or electric lights are glowing through the darkness of a world filled with desperate circumstances. Christmas — the birth of Christ — is the light of the world represented by those candles and decorations.
A baby birthed in a Bethlehem stable evokes such awe of the Almighty. Looking at that birth, we are surprised at His wisdom and grace. God’s plan hibernating in the desert of humanity for thousands of years just waiting for the fullness of time.
Considering that birth, we are reminded of the difficulties and desperate circumstances in which that baby arrived. Suffering links us all together in understanding. We can simply open our hearts to the one who came in the midst of our darkness. We can embrace the comforts of his good news, great joy and peace.
It is impossible to relate how many times our lives have faced desperate circumstances, usually without any warning. Birth, death, difficulties and desperate circumstances pop up like computerized sales pitches. Sometimes you can block them. Sometimes you get a virus. Sometimes they lock up your computer and there’s nothing to do but call a technician.
Yet, our lives are more complex than computers and cannot be fixed by simply replacing a few wires or new software. Whenever we experience desperate circumstances, let us remind ourselves that our Heavenly Father — the Great Technician — sent his Son to give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death. His light will direct us to calm waters.
Dear Father, thank you for the light of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Enlighten us with the way of peace. This I pray in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Be courageous today in the light of Christ,