The Dark Days of December

I was thinking recently of how the Christmas lights come at just the right time of the year. After all, December and the winter months to follow are some of the hardest months of the year (at least here in the northern hemisphere). Not only is it cold and the weather unpredictable, but the days are short and the nights long. Each day of December, at least up until December 21 or 22 (approximately), the days get shorter and shorter—and the nights longer and longer. And even after that, any lengthening of the days has zero effect upon us.

Thankfully, it is during these dark days of December that we have Christmas. It is during this particular month that we find the increase in darkness counterbalanced by the brightness of the lights of Christmas. In spite of the fact that the days are getting shorter and darker, we often call this month, “The  Season of Light.” And, that’s exactly what Christmas is all about: light shining into darkness.

As the prophet Isaiah wrote long ago, “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.” (Isaiah 9:2) Or, as the Apostle John wrote, “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it…The true light that gives light to everyone, was coming into the world.” (John 1:5,9 – NIV)  

Christmas reminds us that darkness is not the end of the story—not for our lives, nor for our world. Although our world can at times seem like a very dark place, Christmas tells us that, there is yet hope. In spite of the fact that all too often our lives are touched by pain, sorrow, conflict, tears, and death, Christmas tells us there is yet a future. The sun has begun to rise. The light has begun to shine. Daytime is coming. For Jesus the “Light of the world” has been born!  

If this Christmas season you find yourself in a dark place, for whatever the reason, I want to encourage you to take some time to look at the Christmas lights around you. As you do, may you be reminded that darkness is not the end of the story.  “A light has dawned!” And if you will turn to him, Jesus, will shine upon you. 

Have a great day! And yes, go look at some Christmas lights!

- Pastor Tim Harris