Darkness

2020 has seemed to be the year of darkness for many. There seems to be a loss of hope and with that loss there seems to be no light at the end of the tunnel as we see the numbers of this virus surge for a second time this year causing many to fall further into depression, lose jobs, and wonder if this is the beginning of the end. While this world seems to be spinning out of control and chaos seems to reign we can look to the Bible to find our hope, to be the light, and reflect on another time many years ago when the world was dark and there seemed to be no hope.

Travel back with me to a time where there was no technology, no boats, no cars, no planes. When people talked to each other face to face and the only means of transportation was by foot or by a hooved animal. It took months or even years to receive the latest news on world events. The last prophecy before Jesus came during the time of Malachi. Then the word of the Lord stopped, the world seemed to be a dark place to live and just like the time we seem to be living in, all hope seemed to be lost. Then just like the prophecy of old, after living in darkness for 400 hundred years a light in the sky, a star led the way to the one who was born. The light of the world, the Messiah, the hope for all who were lost, hurt and struggling to find a way in the dark. 

     Now here we are over 2,000 years later with the latest news for the entire world at our fingertips, and boats, cars, and planes to get us wherever we desire to go. People no longer have to talk to each other face to face and choose to stare at a phone to see the fake lives of their family and friends. People no longer take the time to get to know others because they are so caught up in worldly things and being successful. We see our world being filled with hate yet don’t take the time to spread the love of Jesus. Jesus is the light the darkness of today needs just as he was the light needed during the time between Malachi and Matthew in the Bible. How can I be so sure about Jesus being our answer when no amount of logic seems to be helping? I know this because Jesus himself says, “I am the light of the world. Anyone who follows me will never walk in the darkness but will have the light of life.” John 8:12

In the Old Testament, King David said, “Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light on my path. He went on to say, “the revelation of your words brings light and gives understanding to the inexperienced.” Psalm 119:105,130 Much like the time of darkness I mentioned earlier it seems that the word of the Lord is not prevailing, but for those of us who are Christians we know otherwise. God’s word is true and the things that are unfolding are part of his plan. The important thing for those of us who believe is to be the light. Once we believe, we have the light in us and we are to let the light shine. Dare I ask, when are you more likely to see a light? The answer of course is when it is dark. You were born during this season of darkness, for a reason and that reason is to shine your light for all to see. Not for all to see what worldly things you have, but for all to see Jesus and the hope he brings to all who believe in him. We may never see life go back to “normal”, and it’s imperative that we live a life that points others to Christ. 

     As this year draws to an end, we get to witness an astronomical phenomenon that was last observed 800 years ago and very similar to the star of Bethlehem. In a year of so much loss, so much sadness, the loss of hope, and darkness that seems to only be getting darker; we get to experience what they are calling the Christmas star. Is it a coincidence that the first night it can be seen is on the winter solstice, the longest/darkest night of the year? I don’t think so, God is giving us a light, a sign to bring us hope, a reminder that we must shine in the darkest of times as that is when the light is best visible. How can you let your light shine this holiday season and during this time of darkness?