The people who walk in darkness have seen great light, and light has risen upon those dwelling in the land of the shadows of death Isaiah 9:2 (Aramaic Bible in Plain English)

BECKONING DARKNESS

If you read this devotional regularly, you might recall this has been a tough year for my family. We lost a mum, cheerleading mum in law and devoted grandma. Then a really tough move and more family health issues followed. The pull of mental and emotional exhaustion is strong. Darkness beckons at times when we are pushed to our limit. I have drifted nearer and further from the Lord, depending not even on the day, but at times, the hour. 

BUT. You know there’s a ‘but’ coming, right? Despite the temptation to just give up and let the darkness roll over, there’s always been a glimmer of light in every rough day.

GLIMMERS OF LIGHT

Even in the darkest hours, there’s always been something to break that stronghold. A random text from a friend checking in because they were doing something that brought me to mind, an email encouraging me in something I’ve written, a hug from my husband, letting me know I’m not alone, song lyrics written by a friend coming to mind at just the right moment, and even a teenager making dinner when I just wanted to crawl into bed and not bother. 

Now I find myself actively looking for the light. And what a glorious habit to get into. Because once we start tuning our eyes to see light, we will surely spot it everywhere. So far this week, light has come in the form of candles lit at different times around the house, spreading their heady Christmas scents, of expectation and coming joy. There’s been the light from our open fire, which passed its annual safety check recently, guaranteeing the comfort of seeing the flickering light for months to come. 

And for the first time ever, we have exterior lights. Our new home comes with a very long fence line, now adorned with a warm white glow between 1600 and 2200 hrs.

BLAZING LIGHT

The real source of light is why we are gearing up for a big celebration this weekend. Jesus is the Light of the World. He gave up heavenly splendor for earthly squalor and temporary death. But first, he blazed through the world healing and freeing people from whatever form of darkness had them. Illness, possession, sin, loneliness, you name it. Jesus brought the light. And he’s not done. He uses people and circumstances to intervene more often these days, but don’t misunderstand the source of the light. Just as God hung a star to guide visitors to that precious stable, so he guides the light in our own lives, just when we need it. 

The first verse of Isaiah 9 begins with a promise of light for those in gloom. If you’re struggling this season, please reach out to the source of light, Jesus, and ask him to shine some upon you. And then watch out. It might not be a bright star above your house, but I guarantee, there will be at least a glimmer coming your way. 

We wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas and light filled New Year. With much love and our prayers, Debb and the (amazing) TWoW team.

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