One of my favorite Bible passages pops up at the beginning of every Advent: The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. (John 1:5)
I like this verse because it reminds me of several things:
1. I can be guided by the smallest twinkle of light as long as I stay focused on it.
2. Sometimes I think I need more light than I have been given, when in reality I only yearn for it because it would make me feel more comfortable.
3. I can’t focus on the light when I’m thrashing about in panic. When I’m feeling overwhelmed I need to stop and breathe in light, breathe out fear; breathe in love, breathe out despair, so that I can see the light that is there to see.
4. The light of the world is always with us, and I have to cultivate the habit of noticing good things during dark times: the kind person, the thoughtful gesture, the bits of light Christ has put in my path. The more attention I dedicate to this, the less of my heart the darkness is able to grasp.
5. God did not eradicate Christ’s dark pain and suffering on Good Friday, but transformed it into unimaginable good. He can transform the darkness in my life, too, if I carry my cross out of love for Him.
Please join me today in praying for all who are struggling in darkness, that they may see the light of Christ and find rest in it.
