Light shines brightest in the dark. Last night was the longest night of the year and the shortest day of the year. The stars and moon shine in the dark, but they don’t appear to shine when it’s light.

When the baby Jesus was born, the shepherds saw a bright star. They knew something very special was happening. This new star heralded the birth of the Savior of the world. Its light was a sign of His presence. They had to look up and follow the star to the baby Jesus in Bethlehem. This baby was no ordinary baby, He was Emmanuel, God with us. As long as they looked up, they would find the Messiah. If they would have stayed in the fields because of their fear, they never would have found the Christ King.

In my life, when things seem dark, hard, or frustrating, that’s the time when I need to look up. The light shining in the darkness tells a story of hope. The hope of the light of the world and the bright hope of heaven. The stars and moon are always shining, it’s just that when I walk in the light of day, I cannot see them. If I go around satisfied that my life is rolling along fine, then the light of the stars will not come to my attention. I don’t see them, and don’t even try to see them. I’m content without them.

Isn’t that how it goes in life? When things are going along fine, we get the idea that we don’t need God, we’re doing just fine by ourselves. Pride and self-sufficiency set in. Imagine that the light of the stars is God’s comfort, His presence. But when the darkness surrounds us, we look up and strain to see the light. We fail to see God. In our lives, we need to look up at the light, and follow His lead. It may be dark all around us, but the star will guide us home.

I’m not a fan of the short days, the lack of sunlight, and cold of winters in Michigan. As soon as we get to the Winter Solstice, around December 21, I start talking about how the days will only get longer from here. Each day will bring a bit more light all through the winter and spring. It’s something that helps me get through the winter with a slice of optimism. May we rejoice in Jesus coming as a baby to the world at Christmastime. His coming eventually led to his life, death and resurrection to secure our salvation. He is our light and life.

Take a moment during this busy time, to sit still and ponder the light that shines bright in our hearts if we open them up to Him. Let His presence soak in.

For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ. 2 Corinthians 4:6

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. Isaiah 9:2

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. 1 Peter 1:3