There was a time many years ago when the darkness of the night scared me witless. The monsters that feared the light would hide under my bed and in the closet just waiting for the darkness of night to free them from the confines of their below bed cells and they could then do all sorts of evil during the night. I can remember my parents saying, “don’t be silly, there is nothing there…to be scared of”. So, did that mean there was nothing there so don’t be scared, or did it mean there was something there but don’t be scared of it? My Grandma was the best, she left a night light on to keep the monsters away. The threat of the unseen in the darkness had a real hold on me to the point that I would not even put my feet on the floor for the fear of them grabbing a hold and dragging me under the bed and don’t even get me started about going down into the dark basement! I was safe so long as there was light because I could see all things around me and there was a wonderful sense of peace. The light of day seemed to be the cure for all the fear and anxiety that came with the loneliness of the darkness. The lack of light seemed so cold and, when you could not seek very far, the sense of being alone and defenseless was overwhelming.
Move forward a couple decades and I am now a grown adult and very little scares me. I don’t need the nightlight anymore, a trip to the basement is not filled with stress and I am, in my mind, invincible. I am doing great in the business world, making a name for myself and there is very little that causes me any angst until a very close friend passes away and the reality of life’s end really hits me. I went to his funeral and the minister said “Do you know where you are going when your days on earth are done?” That was a strange question, of course I do, I am going to heaven because I am a good person. Then he said, “Do you have a personal relationship with Jesus because it is only through Christ that you will live in the land of Eternal Light with the Saviour”. It was at that moment that I realized that I truly did not know the absolute peace of living in relationship with the Messiah and knowing that only through Him was influence the darkness of evil completely dispelled. You see, total darkness is the complete absence of light and the moment the light shines out, even just a little bit, there is no longer total darkness. The moment we recognize the Light is the instant we realize we are not alone and, in that, there is peace and comfort.
Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.” John 8:12 NLT
The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it. John 1:5 NLT
Put your trust in the light while there is still time; then you will become children of the light.” John 12:36 NLT
When you discover this peace, the comfort of knowing that you are never alone, embrace the Light and then, like my Grandma did at one time, set out the night light so that those around you will also know the eternal peace He has set aside for us all.
“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.
This Sunday, we welcome Rev. Bob Hillock as he brings the message on this second day of Advent, Peace. Please plan to join us either in person or online at 10:30 AM this Sunday. The service will be broadcast online on our website (https://www.mainavefellowship.ca/socialplatforms ), or you are more than welcome to join us in person at 402 Main Ave. W in Sundre, AB.
Blessings,
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