Light and Dark

For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.
Luke 2:30-32 NIV

The winter solstice on December 21 was the darkest day of the year. For many of us, that means we begin work when it’s still dark outside, and by suppertime, the sun has long set. That slide toward the shortest day of the year seems like sinking into a black hole. No wonder people in ancient cultures celebrated the days when the sun began to return.

Eight days after Jesus’ birth, Mary and Joseph took Him to the temple as the law required. A man named Simeon saw Jesus, and his eyes were opened to the reality of Jesus’ identity. His eyes saw God’s salvation. There, in human form. Simeon was at the right place, at the right time. Simeon saw in Jesus a brilliant light that would show the way to salvation for all nations.

The days were dark then. It was hard to know when deliverance from the tight grip of the Romans might come. Roman taxation was heavy; the sight of soldiers in the streets was a constant insult; war was always just a rumor away. The occupiers built unfamiliar buildings. It was difficult to settle into a normal pattern of living when on a whim, an emperor in a faraway land could demand a census that sent you packing your bags.

The days are dark now as well. Not just because it is late December, but because a pandemic keeps resurging; because more and more generations are turning their backs on faith; because wars rage on; because so many families are losing their jobs and their homes; because every day the evening news delivers more horror stories.

But even in so much darkness, the light will never be forgotten. Light is not an illusion; in fact, darkness has no real substance. Darkness is actually nothing more than the absence of light.

We need to see salvation as Simeon did—here and now. We need to use this Christmas to look at the One who has been prepared in the sight of all nations (Luke 2:31). The public Savior - the Light of the world.

Prayer:

Father,
          Open our eyes as Simeon’s eyes were opened to the Lord Jesus. Help us to see Your light that we may live in truth and comfort in this dark world. And help us reflect Your light to the people around us. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen