|
 Before
anyone condemns me for blowing right past Thanksgiving, please
understand that I love everything about that holiday – the food, the
football, and especially the One to whom all thanks is due – I’m in!
But one of the things I love about Christmas is the lights that make
everything seem a little brighter. As dark as the world can be,
light is a real blessing.
Who hasn’t wept over the darkness of Russia invading Ukraine? Or
Hamas attacking Israel and the bloodshed that has ensued since? Has
your heart broken over the darkness surrounding acts of gun violence
and incessant political finger-pointing every time a news report
breaks? Did the darkness threaten to overtake you the last time you
shielded your eyes as you walked past a homeless person and wondered
how? Why? What can one person do? Do you feel in the dark every time
you hear about a child dying of a disease that should never afflict
anyone, especially one so young?
Just driving around our community a few days ago, I was overwhelmed
with an almost palpable sense of darkness. To see a cherished place
that once brought the light of dignity to combat the darkness
associated with illness and aging closed and lifeless brought me
pain. Knowing an institution that has faithfully trained young women
and men to shine God’s light, will soon be shuttered and vacant
brought tears. And, as one of those evangelical types, darkness
floods in every time I see a new business coming to town that
profits from alcohol, gambling, or cannabis. Darkness is remarkably
pervasive. It’s so overwhelming at times that it gets tempting to
blow out the candle and head for home. But
this time of year, reminders are everywhere that the Light of the
world came to us! The depth of our darkness didn’t discourage Him or
deter Him. He was determined to bring the light of life and
salvation to anyone who would follow Him. Christmas lights remind me
that because Jesus came, it’s only a matter of time until He comes
again to banish darkness forever.
Until then, true believers, don’t let your light go out. Lincoln
needs you to shine more than ever!
“In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The
light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”
(John 1:4-5, New International Version)
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“The true light that gives light to everyone was
coming into the world. He was in the world, and though the world was
made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that
which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who
did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the
right to become children of God – children born not of natural
descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of
God.” (John 1:9-13, New International Version)
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be
hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl.
Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in
the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that
they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
(Matthew 5:14-16)
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