If it wasn’t obvious before that the days are getting shorter, this week really brought it home to me. I’m waking up a little later, and so is Tori. I’m now waking up, turning the light on next to my bed, and calling her out from under the covers. I leave home and return home in the dark. Night church meetings are harder. It hits 9 pm, and I think I should go to bed because it’s been dark for several hours. But God has something to say about darkness … and light.
“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” — John 1:5.
There’s no denying that the days are shorter now. By late afternoon, shadows lengthen, and darkness arrives before we’re ready for it. It’s amazing how much difference darkness makes when it comes to our attitude, activities, and energy. There’s also something about this time of year that invites reflection. As the world grows dimmer, we’re reminded of how deeply we need the Light that never fades.
John’s Gospel declares that Jesus is “that” Light—the One who entered our darkness, not to erase it, at least not yet, but to draw us to him, a source of light. The darkness is real: loss, loneliness, injustice, fear, pain, grief. Yet the Light shines on, unbroken, unovercome.
In these shorter days, I find myself lighting more candles. They offer small flickers that seem to hold back the night. One flame can change the atmosphere of a room and my mood as I watch the light it gives. Likewise, even small acts of faith—an encouraging word, a quiet prayer, a gesture of compassion—can scatter shadows in powerful ways. Wesley emphasized the importance of small acts of practical love; every small light we offer is an act of grace in a darkened world.
So as the evenings grow longer, don’t be afraid of the dark. Let Christ’s light shine through you, steady and unwavering. The world needs your light. How can you be a bearer of Christ’s light for someone this week?
Prayer: Light of the world, shine in me and through me. When I feel the weight of darkness, remind me that your light still shines—and always will. Help me to reflect your love wherever I go. Amen.
