The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. 

John 1:9, NIV

Most of us at one point or another have been afraid of the dark. Darkness is loss, aimlessness, fear and despair. If we understand sin as separation from God, so too can we understand darkness as a chasm between us and our Creator. God’s first creative act was to speak light into existence. Light shows us our surroundings, illuminates our path, brings knowledge and reveals to us the true from the false. The mariner is guided by the stars in the night sky and avoids the rocky shores by the glow of the lighthouse. Without God’s sustaining love we are lost to ourselves in total darkness set adrift among deadly rocks. 

In this season we celebrate God’s ultimate gift and sacrifice to light our way back into his love. Jesus is the true light, the beacon leading us home. He is warm, sustaining, comforting. In the story of the transfiguration Jesus shares with us a glimpse of our bodies made new, brilliant, free of the ravages of the world. No more pain. No more fear. No more strife. Perfect peace. 

But before we ourselves may rest in his perfect light, we reflect Jesus’ light to our neighbors as he shines for us. He is the true light come into the world that all may see and that none need fear the dark. 

Prayer Guide:

1. In whatever dark places you may find yourself take comfort and hope that God will lead, sustain and protect you. 
2. Pray that God may use his church to light the way into his peace and reconciliation in this fallen world. 
3. Light a candle,