No Darkness!

December 24, 2020

No Darkness!

I am trying to get my heart in a good place for Christmas.

It’s difficult this year.

There seems to be a darkness covering almost everything; so many people are impatient, irritated, and intolerant.  Good people are saying things that are causing harm and hurt and hardship.  Godly people are doing things that are self-centered and self-destructive.  Peace-loving people are responding with aggression and violence.  The darkness seems to be winning over the light!

It’s difficult to get my heart in a good place for Christmas.

There is another postponement and another cancellation.  There is another scaled back production and another “drive-through” program.  People cling to the promise of returning to normal but are not near as confident or clear what that looks like.  The darkness seems to be winning over the light!

It’s difficult this year.

There seems to be a darkness covering almost everything; political systems seem to be growing more oppressive, racial differences seem to be growing more divisive, and kindness seems to be growing more rare.  People who are normally hopeful and helpful and healthy are becoming more pessimistic, cynical, and suspicious.  The darkness seems to be winning over the light!

It’s difficult to get my heart in a good place for Christmas.

There have many times when God’s people have felt that the darkness was winning over the light.  And yet, the Lord God is faithful to keep the light burning in and shining on us.

In Isaiah 9:2 we hear: “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness—on them light has shined.”  The King of Kings is coming!  The burdens will come to an end!  A Savior will be born!  There will be no more oppression! 

The Son of God will deliver us and save us and rescue us.  The Son of God will come to release the shackles of the Dark One and lift the burden of the darkness.  The Son of God will come as the Light Of The World.

In John 8:12 we hear Jesus say; “I am the light of the world.  Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.”

I need Jesus to be the Light Of The World this Christmas.  There have been a few too many days when the darkness seems to be winning over the light.  The disappointment, the discouragement, and the disillusionment can quickly steal away the joy, the peace, and the love of Christmas. 

It would be easier to give up or give in than reach out my hand to the Light Of The World.  I need the child born in Bethlehem to be the Light Of The World. 

I imagine you know someone who needs to know the hope of the Light Of The World.  Take a moment during the next week to listen and care about their story of disappointment, discouragement, and disillusionment.  Take a moment to pray for, and maybe even with, them for the Light Of The World to restore their hope and faith and joy. 

When they experience the hope of light in the darkness and the joy of knowing the Light Of The World they will take delight in the Lord.

Take delight in the Lord!

Doug