Listen

But there will be no gloom for those who were in anguish. In the former time he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the latter time he will make glorious the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations. 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. You have multiplied the nation, you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as people exult when dividing plunder.

Isaiah 9:1-3

Think

In the darkness, even a small light is a relief. A tiny glowing nightlight reassures a child afraid of the dark. A small flashlight beam can make a woodland hike feel safe. A single streetlamp helps the most darkened road seem secure.

How much more would a great light make us feel reassured, safe, secure? Alone in a dark room, wandering in deep woods, shadows around the corner; when the sun rises and spreads its rays, we feel not just reassurance and relief, but warmth, welcome, and unrestrained joy!

Only out of darkness do we even notice lights at all, big or small. A candle on a sunny day is virtually invisible, but a soft glow in a dark room is like a beacon. When we are alone, lost, and fearful, we long for light and we long for joy – even a single, small, spark.

The Promised One of God comes to us in times of darkness. He comes as a spark, begins to glow, and shines ever more brightly, showing us the way of joy.

Nikki Finkelstein-Blair

Pray

Everywhere I walk with you, God, guide me by your light and show me your joy. Amen.

Go

In every time, in every place, light breaks through the darkness.

We don’t have to go far; God comes near and calls us, wherever we are, to follow.

So here, and now: let God’s light shine.