The Darkness Cannot Overcome It

“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it…The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world.” John 1:5&9

Preparing for Christmas in more than just decoration, lights and gifts, God has graciously been working in our hearts to take time and marvel at the miracle of Christmas. Peripherally, situations feel like the darknesses is darker than the light can penetrate. This season, my heart is raised upward in hope and awe when I think of God becoming flesh, baby Jesus, Light of the World, lying in a manger. (On a side note, it is also making me want another baby…this only last for about 3 seconds and then my thinking brain takes over my feeling brain. :) ).

The ache for our neighbors to have this hope is tangible. I think of Simeon again and again this year, yearning, waiting, spirit groaning to see the Messiah and his response upon seeing Him, becoming my prayer for the Awi “for my eyes have seen your salvation that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.”  Luke 2:30-32

I think of Asmarich lying in a tight ball in the corner of the dark hut, shaking and tiny as sickness overwhelms her body, Betelehem, her 5-year-old daughter, curled up beside her.

Meteku’s widow, two surviving children, two in the grave, trying to do the work of she and her husband, no man around in a culture where he’s necessary for life.

The 6 and 4 year-old girls, with no mama as she hasn’t returned home, the baby, who, praise God is growing on the formula, but doesn’t have his mother’s arms. I think of the woman, alone and unable to return to her right mind.

Heavy situations around me are a list longer than I could write, BUT, there is GOD. There is the Light of the World. There is Hope. Will you continue to pray with us over these situations? 

We have hope! Because Light has come into this broken, crumbling world and He is healing us in our broken places.

We live in a pastoral community, where are neighbors are looked down on, they are “just farmers”. Countryside people, “just shepherds”. Shepherds who know what the cold of a long night watch feels like, shepherds who watch their flock as a way of life from early childhood. 

And the angels shone in heavenly array to THEM, The lowliest, maybe the people who needed hope the most. 

Oh come let us adore Him!