Basking in the Light

Today's reading: Isaiah 9:2-7

"The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death; upon them a light has shined... for unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given, and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called, Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace..." -Isaiah 9:2, 6

While the Christmas season is largely a joyous one- there is also a sadness to it for some who have lost loved ones. There are holiday traditions that will never be the same- there are memories that will never be made- and there is sorrow in that. And we can acknowledge that. But to stay stuck there isn't beneficial for anyone- and so we move our attention to the next part of the verse- upon THEM a light has shined! God came to earth for the broken people. God came to bring His light to our darkness! And so if you are hurting this holiday season- know that Jesus came to bring you comfort and light! He is your comforter- your mighty God- your everlasting Father- today and always!

And as I read these verses in light of our appointment to Africa, they take on a whole new significance: there are millions of people around the world walking in darkness today, the darkness of a life lived without God. And specifically the country of Uganda has been a "land of the shadow of death" for decades now...with the AIDS epidemic, poverty, Idi Amin, and Joseph Kony, his child soldiers and the war in Northern Uganda... the people in Uganda know what it is like to live in the shadow of death. But the glorious news is that upon THEM a light has shined! And it is my prayer that He would be their Mighty God in this battle that wages on, that He would be the Everlasting Father to all of the orphans, and that He would be the Prince of Peace in every situation they face!

As you spend some time basking in the Light today, please remember to lift up those who may be sitting in the darkness of grief or the darkness of unbelief. Thank you for partnering with God to bring a little more light to the world today!