The Darkness Cannot Put It Out

Sometimes our kids say it best. Recently our 5-year-old grandson Lachteen was asked at family prayers how his family could pray for him. His reply: “Just pray that this year will get over really fast.” In actual fact, Lachteen is having a pretty good year; the context of his answer was the immediate weather in Ireland, i.e., rain inhibiting his outdoor play. But yes, Lachteen, we know the feeling.

Admittedly there are some positives amidst this pandemic year. More time at home with your own nuclear family and, perhaps, a slightly more relaxed schedule. Yet as the holidays approach, our thoughts turn to extended family we may not get to see, curtailed travel plans, favorite traditions greatly altered or postponed indefinitely. And for some of us, personal stresses and losses are somehow amplified in our isolation from one another. 

But still . . . Christmas. So much to celebrate. Maybe more than ever this year. Because in the midst of everything, here comes Jesus. Not just came Jesus, centuries ago. But here He comes into our lives right now. For the Jesus Who came into this dark world centuries ago to be the Light of Redemption in our lives also came to be Emmanuel, “God with us.” God with us: past, present, and future. No matter what our circumstances, this is what we celebrate at Christmas. God is with us. 

W

He walks with us in our weakness. His Presence may be the best Present of all. We do not walk alone. And when we waver, He steadies us. When we fall, He gently lifts us to our feet. When we cannot go on, He carries us till we can.

I

He infuses us with His grace and His strength. “. . . My grace is all you need. My power works best in [your] weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9a, NLT) I experience this daily: sufficient grace, necessary strength. As Paul David Tripp reminds us: “There is grace for every messy moment.” 

T

He talks with us, reminding us of the eternal truths that matter most. How? Through His Word, through music, through the “still small voice” of His Spirit, He encourages us and reminds us that He will never ever leave us. Never. No matter what.

H

He helps us in every way—but especially by giving us Hope. “We have [His] hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.” (Hebrews 6:19a, NIV) This Hope makes all the difference. Trust me. I know. 

A reminder: God is not surprised by 2020. Not by COVID. Or whatever you are dealing with right now—even the “It just won’t be the same . . .” Christmas blues. What is the same this Christmas, every Christmas, every day: Jesus. Jesus with us. 

Big reason to celebrate! Light those Christmas candles, moms. The Light may shine even brighter this year against the dark. And the darkness cannot put it out. (John 1:5b)