“Lord, keep my lamp
burning; turn my darkness into light." ~ Psalms 18:28
The holidays were over, but the frosty,
darkness of winter continued to linger. For the Ayalas,
their outdoor holiday lights burned well beyond Christmas. Even through early
March, those outside lights shined brilliantly every night.
Harold, whose cynicism
was often mistaken for intelligence, voiced his criticism of the parents by
leaving a 16pt font note in their mailbox stating smugly “If you’re too lazy to
take them down, at least turn them off at night." (Truth be known,
intelligence requires empathy, love, and generosity of spirit, but that’s for a
future Dawg Byte).
A sign outside of
their house soon explained why they'd left the lights on. It said simply,
"Welcome home, Diego." Their son had been on special deployment with
the Army’s 82nd Airborne Division. They’d unapologetically left their Christmas
lights on in anticipation of his return home.
In the case of
Hanukkah, which is literally referred to as the Jewish Festival of Lights,
light builds day by day, from a single flicker into a sparkling blaze of a full
Hanukkah menorah.
At Christmastime,
the story is told of the Christ-child being born under the Star of Bethlehem,
whose light guided the Magi to his side. Today, on trees, mantles, and the
outside of many homes, twinkling lights remind us of Jesus’ birth.
Lights are a symbol
of hope. A beacon guides home an airplane in foggy conditions. A lighthouse
steers a ship away from danger. Highway reflectors guide drivers through wet,
slippery conditions. Burning lights – optimism for a safe return home. From the
time He was born until His death, Jesus, like a light, attracts people and
attention to this day.
I think a lot about
light during the cloudy winter months. I think about how warm and calm I feel
in the presence of a stunning holiday light display. I think about the
fragility of a single light, like that first candle on a Hanukkah menorah, and
the collective power of a group of illuminated lights.
And I think about
courage - the courage it takes to kindle a spark of light; the strength
required to summon light when the short days beckon hibernation in the
darkness; the bravery we need to keep our lights shining, day by day.
Some are turned off
by organized religion. They may be repulsed by hypocritical church leaders, but
there is something about Jesus that still captivates our attention. He’s an
irresistible Light. It’s our responsibility as Christians to reflect that Light
in our lives. If we exalt Christ in our lives and our church, people will be
drawn to Him.
Lord, with You there is no darkness. Bring Your
light and presence to the dark places in our lives. Bring Your hope to hearts
that feel defeated. Bring Your love and compassion to those in pain. Amen
