I tell you, the inside of our home is glowing. We love colorful Christmas lights and we hang them everywhere. They are even strung along the ceiling of our living room. Sometimes I like to turn off all of the regular lighting in the room and just sit in the soft warmth of the Christmas lights.
This morning we began our day with the lights shining, an advent reading, some cinnamon rolls and a game of Hide the Thimble… It was an exciting start to our advent celebrations and we had a wonderful time. I love this time of year. So full of hope and life!
But there is a shadow in the corner of my heart today that does not feel full of life or hope. I received word last night that a friend who has been ill for many years, is headed back to the hospital for what seems like the millionth time for a surgical consult. On her behalf, I prayed last night in the night. – But I find myself cold, a bit lonely and discouraged this morning. Where is her hope? and why am I so full of doubt?
Like me, she is a believer, so I know she has a “hope” – but was does that even mean? That sounds like such empty church lingo right now. I need a sincere word from my Heavenly Father to be able reconcile what is going on in my heart right now.
And I found it in the first Advent reading of the season…
Jesus said, “I am the the light of the world. If you follow me you won’t be stumbling in the darkness because you will have the light that leads to life.” John 8: 12
During this advent season there is more reason to hope than ever, because I know that Jesus, the hope of all mankind – and our reason for living or dying – came all those years ago. With his arrival He brought hope, peace, healing and ultimate salvation to this earth- His coming brought redemption for the whole world.
And a small light begins to glimmer in the depths of my heart…
With these words from Scripture I am reminded of this: No matter what happens with my friend’s health, or what my earthly status is, in finding Jesus, the light of the world, I have Eternal Life. I don’t have to stumble around in the shadows anymore. What an amazing promise to have – in times of crisis, in sickness, in financial loss, in emotional turmoil.
The darkness in the corners of my heart is eradicated by a bright and shining hope.
Life has a glow that begins with the Advent season, remembering the birth of Christ and his redemptive work here on earth. There is no better hope than finding life in Christ.
May those who are in the cold shadows find warmth in the glow of the Savior, this Christmas.
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