The Light. . .

Lead, Kindly Light ~ Arrangement by  John Henry Newman – Harp & Flute Duo – Mormon Tabernacle

(Please click for background music as you read this message of H.I.M.)

It has been a tradition for my husband and me, for quite some time, that we do a tour of the festive lights displayed throughout different areas of the city on Christmas Eve. One particular part of the city in the east, however, is always a thrill to see and never disappoints.  In order to get to this specific neighbourhood of about 40 homes, however, one must make many twists and turns on the dark side streets until eventually coming across a small crescent of homes that becomes a miniature village unto itself. Almost every single home along this crescent displays a beautiful Christmas scene of angels, stars, sleighs, snow globes, carolers, or nativity scenes, to name just a few; even synchronized seasonal music to complement the thousands of lights that glow in the dark. It is absolutely breathtaking and truly magical every time I see this festive display as one just follows the lights. 

As we slowly drive along, I could not help but ponder on what that evening must have been like so many years ago when the wise men, although their journey would have been very dark, just followed the bright star in the east that eventually brought them to the birth place of the Christ child lying in a manger.  

As I reflect on all the darkness and uncertainty that has happened in my life this past year, I am comforted to know that my journey, too, has not been in total darkness but has been guided by the promises of Jesus when I read, “I am the light of the world; he that follows me shall not walk in darkness but shall have the light of the life” (John 8:12). By casting my cares on Him and leaning on His everlasting love, He has truly been my source and resource to help me through my days of darkness and my nights of worry and uncertainty.  

For I have learned, it is only when I search God’s word, can I really know the peace and comfort of God’s promises when reading “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path” (Psalm 119:105) and "I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye" (Psalm 32:8). I may not currently have all the answers to my health scare this past year or know what lies in my future, but I do know that it is my faith in God that gives me the strength and the certainty that He will take care of me at all times and direct my path in the way it should go if I truly trust in Him. Though the path of the unexpected and unknown has been quite daunting this past year, I have been blessed in so many ways for which I thank God knowing that even in the darkest of days and the dreariest of nights, He is always with me. My hope and prayer is that others may see His light and feel His love through the window of my life as I share what He has done throughout my life as I follow His light!

Lord, make my life a window

for your light to shine through,

and a mirror to reflect your love

to all I meet. Amen 

~ Author Unknown ~

“God’s promises are like the stars;
the darker the night
the brighter they shine”
~ David Nicholas ~