Listen

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light. On those living in a pitch-dark land, light has dawned. You have made the nation great; you have increased its joy. They rejoiced before you as with joy at the harvest, as those who divide plunder rejoice. As on the day of Midian, you’ve shattered the yoke that burdened them, the staff on their shoulders, and the rod of their oppressor.

Isaiah 9:2-4

Think

The youth group I serve likes to play the game Sardines where one person hides and all others try to find that person. They like to play it the most when it’s dark, with all the lights off in the church. It can be creepy walking around the church in the dark. I know nothing is there, but I still want to get into the light as soon as possible.

It’s irrational, really, to feel this way about the dark. Nothing about my environment changes, whether the light is on or off. But in the light our perspective changes; we can see, and we are reassured.

Following Christ is not much different. There will be challenges and dark moments in our lives, even for the most faithful of us. But with Christ our perspective changes; we can see, and we are reassured. We will all fumble around in the darkness from time to time, but know that the Light is there and rejoice.

Kris “Bubba” Brammer

Pray

Great and wondrous God, your light is an ever-shining beacon in my life and in the world. Help me to see your light in all things. Help me to reflect your light into all the corners of my life, of my relationships, and my community. Amen.

Go

The Light has come.

The Light is within us.

Go and let the Light shine.