December 21
"The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came for testimony, to bear witness to the light, that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to bear witness to the light." -John 1:5-8 (RSV)
Today marks the first day of Winter. It is the darkest day of the year with the fewest daylight hours we will experience in any other day of the year. December 21 marks the Winter Solstice in the northern hemisphere. In ancient societies it was a frightening day when many doubted if the sun's power would ever return. It can still be a depressing day in modern times as the dark seems ever so strong. Yet John assures us in his gospel today that Jesus is God's eternal light that will never allow any darkness to overcome us because:"The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it." We, like John the Baptist, are not the source of God's light. We merely reflect that light. Jesus Christ is the true Light. Only he can help us see the best pathways to God.
Have you ever felt all around you was dark and there seemed to be no escape from the problems and pain that seemed to be closing in? No matter how strong it seems, the darkness of evil can never overcome God's light. John assure us Jesus Christ is no less than God's light in our world and nothing, including even the darkness of Hell itself, can ever extinguish this light. John says Christ was present with God at the Creation of all life, and his life can bring light to all. In his light, we see ourselves as we are as imperfect fallible people. We have all fallen short of God's perfect intentions for us. Yet if we follow Jesus, the eternal Light, we can avoid walking blindly and falling into traps of despair, fear, and hopelessness. Jesus lights the path ahead so we can see how to live and the best paths to follow to bring happiness, joy, and prosperity. Jesus is our flashlight in fearful times who can remove the darkness of any sin from our life. How are you allowing the light of Christ to shine into your life this December? Let Christ guide your life daily, and you'll never again need to stumble in any darkness!
Prayer: God, Show me your perfect path today. Amen.
Meditation For The Day: God's light shows us His way.
Brief Devotions For Busy Lives: Daily Winter Renewal Paperback – November 25, 2017, by Rev. Dr. Mary Johnson (Author)
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