by Emily Conrad

In my part of the world, we celebrate Christmas at the darkest time of the year. Sunrise and sunset get as friendly as earth’s orbit and tilt allow. On December 21st, my town’s shortest day enjoys daylight from about 7 AM to 4 PM. Nine hours of light, fifteen of darkness.

During the long night that followed that short day this year, my grandma passed away.

The shadow of grief presses close, and with it, the sobering reminder that even a life well-lived and longer than average is far too short.

Humanity faces problems we cannot solve for ourselves, darkness we cannot dispel.

No doctor, lawyer, psychologist, financial planner, politician, or other earthly expert can promise eternal life and security any more than a meteorologist or space organization could force an earlier sunrise.

In so many ways, humans cannot escape darkness.

For rescue, for light, we need a Savior.
God promised to send one.

“Because of our God’s tender mercy
the dawn will break upon us from on high
to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death,
to guide our feet into the way of peace.”
Luke 1:78-79, NET

At Christmas, we celebrate because He kept His promise, as He always does.

But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid! Listen carefully, for I proclaim to you good news that brings great joy to all the people: Today your Savior is born in the city of David. He is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:10-11

Fully God and fully man, Jesus lived a perfect life in this dark world and taught us truth.

He paid for our sins on the cross and defeated death by rising back to life. He extends mercy and grace and eternal life to all who believe. He reconciles us to God.

He is the light we so desperately need.

Then Jesus spoke out again, “I am the light of the world! The one who follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12, NET

This year, I find myself appreciating Christmas on a deeper level, borne from a deeper understanding of my need.

I need the light.

I need the hope.

I need to know that despite what I see around me, the darkness is not winning.

Rest assured, it is not.

In him was life, and the life was the light of mankind. And the light shines on in the darkness, but the darkness has not mastered it.
John 1:4-5, NET

We have a Savior who loved us enough to come to earth when we had no hope apart from Him.

His willingness to undertake this rescue mission truly is cause to celebrate.

That first Christmas, He came to us so that someday, we could go to Him.

In the meantime, He does not leave us on our own.

Jesus is Emmanuel, God with us. Still. Today.

When I would be overwhelmed by the darkness, God steps in and rescues me with unfailing love and light.

The people walking in darkness
see a bright light;
light shines
on those who live in a land of deep darkness.

For a child has been born to us,
a son has been given to us.
He shoulders responsibility
and is called
Wonderful Adviser,
Mighty God,
Everlasting Father,
Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:2 and 6, NET

We have a Savior. The light shines in the darkness, and through Him, we have peace.

Merry Christmas,

Enjoy this blog? Subscribe by email here!  

Photo credits
Title graphic photo by Filip Bunkens on Unsplash
Streetlight in snow photo by Annie Niemaszyk on Unsplash
Manger photo by Greyson Joralemon on Unsplash