Live in Light

 

Winter is the season of life when dark moments arise.  In my line of work, Human Resources, we tend to meet people in some of their darkest days.  They could be having relationship difficulties at home, health concerns of themselves or a loved one, a passing of a parent or spouse, and even financial troubles.  Although we are not trained to provide advice and counsel, there is one thing we can do, listen and find resources to assist.

That is the message for today.  Walking through this world, we can find heartache and despair. 

·       A working mom who is stressed with the balance of work and home.

·       A dad who is concerned he will be able to provide for his family.

·       A spouse who is watching their relationship deteriorate.

·       A daughter who is worried about a parent’s health.

·       A coworker who is anxious about their job.

·       A person next to us in line looking distraught.

·       A stranger who is crying.

There are many reasons why those among us may be having a dark moment in their lives.  We, as Christians have a light to go to, a reason for hope.  Jesus gave that to us when he came to earth.  That hope drives us to know that whatever we may face in our days, we have One who will always be there for us, Jesus.  Our ability to go to him in times of trouble lifts us out of the darkness and into the light.

In our passage for today, Jesus tells us to live as his children – children of light.  This is when we can step up to others who may be in darkness.  For those living in dark moments, we can be the light and the hope they need.  We may not be able to solve their worries or take away their problems, but we can be the one who listens.  We can be the one who provides options.  The most powerful thing we can do is pray.  Being the light in someone else’s life doesn’t mean we have to even speak to them.  Our light comes from our relationship with Jesus.  Praying on another’s behalf is the greatest light we can shine.

Jesus guides our darkest paths with the light of hope and salvation.  Providing that light for another, though listening and praying, can help someone through their darkest moments.  Be the light to someone’s darkness.  Look around you.  Look how YOU can make an impact.  Look how YOU can shine your light.  Live as the children of the greatest light – Jesus!

Dearest Jesus, thank you for being our light and our hope in times of despair.  May we be that light for others around us.  Whether they are family, friends, or strangers, may we provide the light that they may need – through our greatest gift to them, prayer.  Amen