Today, the earth’s axis tilts furthest away from the sun, making 21st December the shortest day & longest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. This Winter Solstice marks the start of astronomical winter.But it also symbolises the triumph of light over darkness as the daylight hours begin to lengthen again- stretching towards summer in the distance!
In these darker months we need light- streetlights & firelight, moonlight & twinkly starlight. And of course Christmas lights in a multitude of size & colours.
And the thing is, it just gets lighter & brighter from now on!
In the opening chapter of Dr Luke’s Gospel, Zechariah burst into song after months of silence. He proclaimed:
‘Through the heartfelt mercies of our God, God’s Sunrise will break in upon us, Shining on those in the darkness, those sitting in the shadow of death, Then showing us the way, one foot at a time, down the path of peace.’
(Luke 1:78&79 MSG)
Jesus, God the Son was sent from heaven to illuminate the sheer darkness of our world. He was the long expected good news of great joy. He was the transcendent glory of our Most High God, made flesh.
And He will brighten the path of life one step at a time, if & when we trust Him.
Three decades later,Jesus proclaimed, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
(John 8:12 NIV)
The well-known Carol by Charles Wesley ‘Hark the herald angels sing’ states:
‘Light & life to all He brings’
May we know the Light of God’s Sunrise brightening our days-this Christmastime {& always}
Blessings,
Ruth x
Blessed! 