This is a dark time of year.  It is dark at 5 p.m., and – even though we are supposedly climbing out of the darkness – the long, dark, cold nights really get to me.  I don’t find them cozy.  I feel the cold down deep in my bones and it seems like nothing will make it go away.  Even during the day in Ohio, many of the winter days are overcast and dark.

The world can feel like a dark place even on sunny days.  There are so many things that are wrong.  So many hurting and hungry and angry people.  Racism and misogyny are constant problems that never seem to ease up.  The darkness in people’s souls seems to grow all the time.

For these reasons, I am thankful for Christmas.  Christmas is the time of year that reminds us that even though there is darkness in the world and in our hearts, it will not put out the light of Jesus Christ.  Why do you think we drape Christmas lights over everything?  A light shining in the dark.  Hope that pierces the blackness of despair.

We read so many Bible verses about light and dark at this time of year.

John 1:1-5.  In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

1 John 1:5-7.  This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth.  But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.

and Isaiah 9:2-7.  The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. . . .  For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.  And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.  Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end.  He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever.  The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.

All of these verses remind us, no matter how deep the darkness seems, the light of Jesus shall not be overcome.  And we, the people of Christ, can carry his light in our hearts and in our hands.  Into the darkest parts of the world.  To bring his love.  To bring his light.

I pray that you had a wonderful Christmas and that you will continue to carry his light in the year to come.