December 3
“I have come as light into the world, so that everyone who believes in me should not remain in the darkness.” John 12:46
One of my friends keeps a light burning in her kitchen window all year long. It started when her brother was in Vietnam during the war, and it remained lit until he returned home. Then, hearing about friends of his whose families continued to wait; she lit it up once again. As time went by and her children grew, that light in the window signified “home” and a loved one waiting for them there. From that point forward, there was always someone who for one reason or another was not home, or someone near or far being thought about, needing that welcoming little light in her window. The years went by and it stayed on, and still does today. Walking up to her door, that glow in her window is like a welcoming guide, but the warmth felt when seen from the outside, is nothing compared to being inside, in her presence – so caring, giving, loving and uplifting she is!
Rev. Robert Alden from the 1800’s is quoted as saying, “There is not enough darkness in all the world to put out the light of even one small candle.” When viewing a tiny light in a window, during the dark of night, that statement is better understood. With so much artificial light surrounding us all the time, sometimes a tiny light is not appreciated. But while traveling on country roads at night that do not have street lighting for example, the glow of any light in the distance appears much greater. And during these dark, tumultuous times, where strife and struggle, need and suffering abound, we are more and more aware how precious the light bearers around us are who keep us centered.
As we decorate for this Christmas Season, in this time of Advent, may the lights we place in our windows and throughout our homes fill us with the hope of tomorrow . . . may they remind us of the warmth and love that the birth of Christ brings into our lives. May their peaceful glow fill our open hearts with compassion and care for our fellow man, settles us within to appreciate the gifts we have been given, and make the most of the opportunities we have been provided to bring our light to others. Let us appreciate the memories of days gone by, remain hopeful for the future, and most importantly cherish the moments He has given us now, until His Light, whose glow is our guide in any darkness, beacons us home.
Abba! Father! We are yours!
Copyright© 2014 Kathleen A. Matson
“I have come as light into the world, so that everyone who believes in me should not remain in the darkness.” John 12:46
One of my friends keeps a light burning in her kitchen window all year long. It started when her brother was in Vietnam during the war, and it remained lit until he returned home. Then, hearing about friends of his whose families continued to wait; she lit it up once again. As time went by and her children grew, that light in the window signified “home” and a loved one waiting for them there. From that point forward, there was always someone who for one reason or another was not home, or someone near or far being thought about, needing that welcoming little light in her window. The years went by and it stayed on, and still does today. Walking up to her door, that glow in her window is like a welcoming guide, but the warmth felt when seen from the outside, is nothing compared to being inside, in her presence – so caring, giving, loving and uplifting she is!
Rev. Robert Alden from the 1800’s is quoted as saying, “There is not enough darkness in all the world to put out the light of even one small candle.” When viewing a tiny light in a window, during the dark of night, that statement is better understood. With so much artificial light surrounding us all the time, sometimes a tiny light is not appreciated. But while traveling on country roads at night that do not have street lighting for example, the glow of any light in the distance appears much greater. And during these dark, tumultuous times, where strife and struggle, need and suffering abound, we are more and more aware how precious the light bearers around us are who keep us centered.
As we decorate for this Christmas Season, in this time of Advent, may the lights we place in our windows and throughout our homes fill us with the hope of tomorrow . . . may they remind us of the warmth and love that the birth of Christ brings into our lives. May their peaceful glow fill our open hearts with compassion and care for our fellow man, settles us within to appreciate the gifts we have been given, and make the most of the opportunities we have been provided to bring our light to others. Let us appreciate the memories of days gone by, remain hopeful for the future, and most importantly cherish the moments He has given us now, until His Light, whose glow is our guide in any darkness, beacons us home.
Abba! Father! We are yours!
Copyright© 2014 Kathleen A. Matson