Fighting the Darkness

One of the things we await at this time of year is the light of the world, the light that will overcome darkness.  Unfortunately, it's not hear yet.  Today is the fifth anniversary of the Newtown shootings, and, sadly, many more lives have been taken since this eruption of evil into our lives.

A reason that the light has not yet arrived, is that we often prefer the darkness.  In the dark we can cuddle up with the destructive familiar of our bad habits, rather than seek out refreshing if challenging ways of doing what is healthful and life-giving.  In the dark we can fall prey to fear and resentment, which is often an easier path to follow that one of standing up to what is wrong and debasing.  In the dark we can nurture our sins.

We can feel helpless, unable to fight the darkness.  But we are actually stronger and more resilient than we imagine.  We have the power of Jesus with us.  The power to light up the world and overcome the darkness.  But we have to accept that power and all it encompasses first.

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