Light Of All Lights

Isaiah 9:1a – Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress. (NIV)

Isaiah 9:2 – The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned. (NIV)

It has been over ten years since we have spent the whole of the winter months here in the north. This year, not traveling to Florida, I discovered the thing I had forgotten that bothers me the most, and that is the lack of light. The days are shortened, and the skies are grey every day.

Yesterday the wind picked up, and the air had a chill that seemed to pierce right to the bone. I even began to wish it would snow just to brighten the day. I find that there is a certain excitement when the snow starts to fall. I wasn't certain what it was until I noticed its reflective light.

We can all praise God and give thanks that, in all of this bleakness, there is a light that came: the Light of all lights, Jesus. God came in the flesh at Christmastime, not only to bring light to the world, but to give us, in this light, a new life that generates an excitement that fills our souls.

As I dwelt in thought, basking in this light, I reached for my Bible. I looked for an escape into the wonders of His birth to take away the chill and the gloom.

What excitement we can experience in knowing this special light that came into the world, spreading warmth in His coming, as the light dawns in our hearts!

Prayer: Almighty and everlasting Father, who gave to us the Light of all lights, we come to You to give thanks for Your Son, born at Christmastime. Where there is gloom and chill, warm our hearts, and kindle anew our spirits from within, that we may have new life in the light of Jesus Christ our Lord, in whose name we pray. Amen.