As these New England days grow shorter and shorter and darkness settles in just after 4, I find myself noticing light more than ever. If the day happens to be sunny, the brightness and clarity of the outside far trumps the cold air, and the kids play. Even they get it - the less and less we have of the sun, the more and more of a gift it seems.
So here we are noticing the light, and we revel in it. Soon the solstice will come and begin the wonderful new cycle of much-awaited longer days.
This lack of light reminds me of this fallen world, that at times seems heavy-laden with darkness. Bad things happen, sometimes to us and sometimes to those we love. But mostly to people we don't even know, yet our heart goes out to them because we can imagine their suffering.
But there is light, too! Sometimes we get glimpses and sometimes we soak up rays. Sometimes it pops and we notice it and sometimes it's subtle and we simply live it. When we get it times are lovely and hopeful, and we enjoy it until the next moment of darkness which will inevitably come again.
I am reminded this month of the Light, the perfect One who was sent and the only One who can save us from permanent darkness. In this world, we as imperfect humans, constantly juxtapose between varying degrees of earthly light and darkness. And as long as we are in this world, I can assure you that is as good as it will ever get. But with the true Light, who is Jesus Christ our Lord, we can have life and light everlasting!
I urge you this Christmas season, while enjoying festivities, food, friends and family, to think about this kind of Light - the precious baby boy, born in a stable and wrapped in swaddling clothes, who brings love, joy and hope to all corners of the earth.
Peace be with you all.
