Out of the Darkness and into the Light
It’s that time of year again — time to turn our clocks back one hour as we return to Standard Time. This annual ritual brings a short-term benefit and a long-term dilemma. The benefit, of course, is the extra hour of sleep we will enjoy this Sunday, and who wouldn’t cherish an extra hour of sleep? The dilemma is a prolonged period of darkness when the days grow shorter, colder, and more foreboding.
When it comes to our faith, darkness is something we instinctively avoid while the light is something we inherently seek. As we know from Psalm 119:105, God’s “Word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” Indeed, light helps us to navigate our way through life, but darkness plunges us into the realm of uncertainty, often leading to dubious choices and sometimes disastrous consequences.
This begs the question, “Why do we allow ourselves to be exposed to the darkness, much less swallowed up by it?” Well, part of the reason is that we are human, living in the flesh, and therefore vulnerable to life’s temptations. Another reason is that we are inherently curious and want to know what is on the other side of that wall or curtain.
Fortunately, God gives us the ability to snap out of this trance and get back into the light as we read in I Corinthians 10:13 — No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear.
This is often difficult to believe, given the power of temptation, but fortunately, we have an advocate. In the Gospel of John (8:12) Jesus proclaims, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” Imagine that, simply by following Him we will always walk in the light.
And finally, he challenges us with a responsibility that comes with his promise when he says in the Gospel of Matthew (5:16), “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Our days will soon be growing shorter, but our light can continue to shine brighter as we profess our faith and live boldly according to God’s Sacred Word, while also helping to lead others out of the darkness and into the light.
Remember to set your clocks back one hour before you go to bed on Saturday night, and be sure to join us for All-Saints Day on Sunday morning.
Until We Meet Again, Be Blessed! – Pastor John