As I write this, Christmas is getting close, only a week away. I have always loved this time of year, the music, the food, the gifts, the parties, and of course, the lights. When I was little, my Mama would always drive us around to see the Christmas lights in various neighborhoods in our little town. When I grew up and had my own kiddos, we tried to find a new venue each year to enjoy the Christmas lights.
What is it about humanity that is drawn to light?
For many people, Christmas is a somber time. For people who are dealing with loss of any kind, it can be especially difficult to watch the world rejoice when their own world is shrouded in the darkness of grief.
This Sunday, December 21st, we will experience the Winter Solstice, here in the Northern Hemisphere. It will be the longest night of the year, specifically, our part of the earth will have more hours of darkness than light. I am always in awe that this night just happens to occur right before Christmas, right before we celebrate the birth of the light of mankind. Was it perhaps by design?
When God put the stars in the sky, He had a plan for the seasons. He allowed darkness to inch its way a little bit at the time, but there was a point when He commanded it to retreat. Darkness does not win, not in Creation and not in those who belong to Christ. The same God who created the earth and the stars, created us and He has a plan for each one of us too.
After this Sunday, we will gain a little light everyday. It will be a very gradual process, but even slow progress is still progress. Eventually, the darkness and light will even out until finally, we will have more light that darkness and so it is for those who happen to be struggling to celebrate this season, struggling to find some light when all seems dark.
If we look to Creation, God reminds us that although it may be dark, the light is coming. Sometimes I need reminding. Perhaps you do too.
Have an awesome day!
Wendy 🙂