Have you noticed how short the daylight hours are now? We are in the darkest part of the year, when the sun rises late and sets early. We only have about 9 ½ hours of daylight today. There are just over two weeks until the Winter Solstice and the longest night of the year. I don’t know about you, but I am hungry for more light these days.
It hardly seems possible that one little light can accomplish much in the darkness of this time of year. And yet, the small white lights on our deck railing transform the deep darkness of my backyard with a gentle glow. The holiday lights on the trees in downtown State College give the whole street a hopeful feel. And the one candle we light this week on the Advent wreath provides a warm light that fills the dining room and my heart.
One small light. Some tiny lightbulbs. One blue candle. They can make all the difference.
It can seem like light is in short supply in other ways, too. Violence. Prejudice. Fear. Division. Ignorance. Need. Injustice. The list of things that break our hearts and weary our spirits is long. There are so many ways relationships can be harmed and communities fragmented.
One small light. Some tiny moments of caring. One act of love. They can make all the difference.
Where have you seen light today? Where have you seen Hope? Or kindness? Where have you experienced compassion? Or forgiveness? Where have you felt unity? Or healing? Where have you been offered understanding? Or generosity? Those are all the places where we encounter the light of God’s love. God’s care and embrace, pierces the darkness of our pain and sorrow, and brings hope and new life.
I know it is dark. But the light is all around us. Watch for it. Notice it. Drink it in. It will give you strength and hope as you await the dawn. It will make all the difference.
Peace,
Alicia