Embracing The Light

 (Photo Credit: Terry Ogden)

There’s just something euphoric about the dawning of a new day – everything awakens  – the darkness fades into the light, and the old becomes new.

I could never, nor would I want to, live in a world where darkness prevails. The darkness can overwhelm, can’t it? And it is during this time of year that I find myself, and maybe you do, too, succumbing to feelings of depression and slothful-like behavior. It’s no fun being in a dark place. It’s lonely and scary, and it’s a place where hope is often lost.

When I was a little girl I was afraid of the dark. I fought bedtime, because I knew that I would be completely enveloped in darkness and it terrified me. To say that I went “kicking and screaming” is an understatement! When my mother learned of my fear, she placed a night light in my room. The faint flicker of light comforted me, made me feel safe and secure. Never again would I fear the darkness. If I woke in the middle of the night, my light shined brightly. If the power went out, my light shined brightly (thanks to battery back-up!) And if, by chance, my light broke, my mother replaced it with a new one.

I would never be afraid of the dark, again!

 When we invite Jesus into our dark world, he becomes our night light. His light will never be extinguished, it will never burn out, and it will never have to be replaced.

C. S. Lewis said:

 “I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else.”

Dear God:

Because of your love, and for the sacrifice of your son Jesus,

I will never have to be afraid of the darkness.

And

I will never worry about being alone in a dark world.

Should I find myself in a dark valley, and I know that I will,

I will reach for Jesus, the light of the world.

Today, oh God, I am praising and embracing the light!

Amen