The Light in the Darkness

     In 2004, our area of Florida experienced three hurricanes that swept over the central part of our state.  Our inland county, which rarely experiences the effects of these storms other than wind and rain, took some direct hits and many were left with badly damaged homes.  Roofs were torn off and some homes completely destroyed.  Perhaps the worst part, though, was not having electricity in our community for about four days.  This is minor, I realize, to the huge storm which has wreaked havoc over the northeast.  However, it was quite a change for us with no power in the dead of late summer.  There was no air conditioning, no water  (being on well water we depended on our electric pump) and no lights.  It was eerie to hear nothing in the streets.  Cars could not safely travel as lines were down, but the worst part was the absolute darkness of the cloudy nights.  With no moon shining and no street lights, it was black when the candles were blown out.   I can remember feeling totally enveloped by the darkness as we lay in our beds trying hard to sleep in the heat of Florida.  How much we take for granted.  If it were not for our candles,  our evenings would have been spent in the dark.
     As I recalled this time in the darkness, I remembered the words of our Lord Jesus when He said:  "I have come as a light into the world, that whoever believes in Me should not abide in darkness (John 12:46).  Our world is filled with a deep darkness...the darkness of sin.  When Jesus entered this world, He came to drive that darkness away by shining the light of His truth into every corner.  Those who receive Him as their Lord and Savior by the gift of grace given to them now walk in the light and are no longer confined to the depths of darkness.
     While God created physical darkness and called it night, He did not create spiritual darkness which entered this world when man sinned against Him in the garden.   God's design was for us to walk daily in His light and fellowship being guided by His Spirit.  Therefore, He made provision for us by sending His Son Jesus Christ into the world to redeem us and restore the light of salvation to all who would believe.
     The great invitation of Christmas is to open our hearts to the Lord who has come to end our darkness.  Jesus said in John 12:36:  "While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light."  Once we have the illumination of the truth found in Christ alone, we will no longer  need to stumble in the dark.  In fact, He then, calls us to be a light to others:  "You are the light of the world.  A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.  Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house.  In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven" (Matthew 5:13-16).
      This Advent season we need to examine our hearts and find out if there are any dark corners that still need the light of our Lord to shine in them.  As we come into His light, we will see our sin more clearly that we may repent.   Better for us to walk that straight and narrow path in His light than to stumble in spiritual darkness.  If you have not come to the light of Jesus Christ, I ask you to open the Bible and allow the lamp of His Word to show you the truth that is found in Him alone.   He came to bring us light and life.  Then, He has sent us out to share that Good News with others who still are in the dark.  May we be beacons of light and hope in this world as we tell others about the salvation found in Christ our Savior this Christmas season.  Selah!

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