Friday, December 10, 2021
Greetings, Dear Friends ~
I pray all is well with your soul today. As we continue our focus on Lessons in the Valley, today’s blog topic is “The Valley and the Light.”
Several faith traditions have a time of year when they observe the light. The Jewish holiday of Hanukkah, which means dedication, focuses on the rededication of the second Jewish Temple in Jerusalem. The holiday, Diwali, is observed in the Hindu, Sikhism, and Jainism faiths. But, again, they each focus on the light. I do not believe this is a coincidence. As people of faith seeking good in the world, we, by nature, we gravitate toward the light. It even seems unnatural to move toward darkness. It appears there is no good there….
One of the unique experiences we cultivate while in the valley is the dependence on light for guidance. As in photosynthesis, the ability of and need for the sun to shine in our deepest and darkest places . . . to nourish us and show us the way is paramount. Think about the darkness of the valley where there are, among other things: isolation, feelings of being lost, lack of clarity or vision, even disillusionment, to name a few.
The Advent Season magnifies the need for light in the world—the kind of light that illuminates the loneliest valley. Matthew 4:16 says:
“…the people dwelling in darkness have seen a great light, and for those dwelling in the region and shadow of death, on them a light has dawned” (ESV).
We have observed the first two Sundays in Advent, which focus on hope and love. On Sunday, we will light the third Advent candle—that of joy. If (when) we bring these themes into the valley, it dramatically changes the experience in the valley. It is light that radiates beauty and hope along our path. When one is in the valley, it is so very important to recognize the light. As we hope to walk through the valley of the shadow of death (and not remain there); as we recognize that we are loved even in the valley, we feel a sense of hope; and as hope and love work together for our good, we move to a place of joy in the presence of the Lord!
As many of us celebrate the blessings of Advent, we remember there are people that are lonely, isolated, sad, and in need of a word of encouragement from us. We have the opportunity to be light in someone else’s darkest valley! Remember, it only takes a little light to illuminate the darkest of valleys. Light always triumphs over darkness!
So, as the Lord God declared in Genesis:
“…’Let there be light, and there was light” (Gen. 1:3):
Let there be light in light in the darkest of places—especially the human heart.
Let there be light in the midst of opposition, oppression, and depression.
Let there be light in the midst of lack.
Let there be light in the midst of hatred and racism.
Let there be light in the midst of sickness and disease.
Let there be light in the center of grief, loss, loneliness and pain.
Wherever the darkness resides—in whatever valley it has created—let there be light!
May the God of our hearts be with us during Advent as we remember the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ. And please remember that this world is definitely a much better place because you are in it.
Until next time, My Friend,
Selah