Through our family room window, we watched as the mid-afternoon winter sky dimmed within seconds to a menacing shade of charcoal. Branches bent at unnatural angles and trunks swayed in protest as the sudden wind howled and the heavens opened. And then, complete darkness.
We scrambled to find candles, lighters, and flashlights while thunder rumbled its presence and lightning flashed, illuminating our disgruntled faces. This would not be the birthday celebration we had in mind—and there would certainly be no blowing out of precious candles on the cake!
When a power outage cuts the constant hum of white noise and everyday distractions, we truly pay attention to what we can hear and what we can see. A single flame from a candle causes us to exhale and appreciate the light.
“I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness” (John 12:46, NIV).
Jesus. His incarnation as Light in the darkness of a fallen world offers us more than an exhale and a nod of appreciation. His perfect peace is our solace in the storm, and He sets our hearts on fire with His powerful love. We need not stay fearful and uncertain in the darkness when the Light of the world provides a lit pathway into the coming days, weeks, and months of a new year.
As the warm fuzzies of Christmas fade until next time, I pray the love, truth, and hope we find in Jesus blaze brightly in us and through us. For His glory.
