Day 26: The Darkness Does Not Overcome

It seems inevitable that my blog would turn to Isaiah 9, verse 2: The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine.  Today was the shortest day of the year and from henceforth we begin to gain light.  It makes my heart sing a little to know that we are now on the upward ascent to daylight.  Of course, for about 6 weeks there is not much noticeable difference.  The days will still be very short, with dark mornings and dusky middays and early sunsets, but the knowledge that the season of light awaits us certainly makes me hopeful that I will survive another nordic winter.

I am reminded that sometimes life is pretty dark and at times, we do wonder if we will keep descending further and further into the pit of despair, or if, like the seasons of the year, there will come a turning point when we feel ourselves ascending again.  This verse from Isaiah reminds us that as painful as life may be at times, the promise that we have received is that we will not walk in darkness for eternity.  No, even for those who have lived in great darkness, a light will shine.  This brings me hope.  It is what we hang onto when the waves of grief, sadness, depression, separation, isolation, loneliness, whatever it is that causes you darkness, threaten to overwhelm.  So be of good cheer even if you are surrounded by darkness this Christmas.  A light is shining in your dark corner of the world and will illuminate your pathway to brighter days...trust in the promise that was given so many years ago...we will see a great light and his name will be Jesus.