A light shines.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

It is almost a struggle to say that because it has been so dark recently.  Not with me, necessarily, although I did take a short break from writing.  And I definitely didn’t put as much effort into the holidays as I usually do.  Partially because of COVID and not having any big gatherings, but also because, well, I just wasn’t in the Christmas spirit.  

I think that was a common thread.  The world is so crazy right now that it’s hard to find any other spirit other than fear. 

Everyone is so frightened.  All the news does is make people more frightened. Misinformation is everywhere.  No one can keep up with the latest guidelines.  Should we stay home for 14 days? 10? 5?  But what if we can’t – then we can just wear a mask?  But then isn’t everyone going to just say they “can’t?” it is a mess of confusion, and I don’t think it is going to get any better any time soon.

Now, apparently, we have “flurona,” a mix of the flu and COVID. Perfect. And a meteor that was underground in PA somewhere exploded for no reason?  Tornados, floods… you name it. What the hell is happening?

Is the world worse now than it was 100 years ago, or are we just more aware of it thanks to 24-hour news and internet? You can probably find solid cases for both options, but then which one do we believe?  It is crazy.  It is scary.  And it is heavy.

It is indeed dark in here. 

But a light shines. 

“A light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” (John 1:5)

That verse is so full of hope.  It gives me chills every time I read it.  It is beautiful and heartening and peaceful. It is the definition of the love of Jesus.

The darkness has not overcome it.  

It is still there.  Even if the world right now cast a shadow over the celebrations of Christmas and New Years, it is still there. 

The darkness has not overcome it.

Hold tightly to that knowledge.  Find peace in knowing that Jesus wins.  No matter what, Jesus wins. Love each other fiercely. Take every opportunity to share the light of Jesus with those who need it.  Turn off the news when you can.  Ignore the socials when you can. Spend some time in that light and rest easy knowing that it will never leave you.  

It is the light in the darkness when all other lights go out. <Tolkien reference!>

And the darkness has not overcome it. 

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Update:

My new blog schedule will be Mondays and Thursdays.  I am attempting to get on a schedule to better cope with my health issues and create some sense of control over my life.  This year has been tough on all of us and taking care of our health – both mental and physical is important. 

Coming soon, I’ll be discussing Revelations, and how it has become one of my favorite books – because it reminds me who wins in the end. 

I also want to know about you.  I want to know how you are dealing with the pandemic, the weather, the news, the socials, and all the craziness.  

So please, comment below and tell me the ways you’re taking steps to grow in your faith and take care of yourselves this year.

Also, please feel free to email me or use the socials to reach out and talk about your faith journeys through this crazy COVID world. 

Thoughtful, respectful comments are welcome and encouraged.

Or join the discussion on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.  (TikTok coming soon!!)