Everlasting Light

God is our everlasting light, his glory has risen upon us, and our days of mourning will be ended.  Darkness will pass away and his true light will shine brightly.  His believers are the light of the world.  Those that walk in the light will not stumble, because everything becomes visible. An English poet, literary critic, and philosopher Samuel Taylor Coleridge (1772–1834) wrote, “The love of a mother is the veil of a softer light between the heart and the heavenly Father.”  What a way to regard our mothers as we think about the gifts of our Heavenly Father!    

Our Faith Walk

Many Christians tend to seek company in their faith walk.  Ideally we should have Jesus Christ as our first companion.  But when it comes to earthly beings friends will do.  Helen Keller (1880–1968), an author, political activist, and lecturer said, “Walking with a friend in the dark is better than walking alone in the light.”  Darkness often means despondency.  Friends in the dark may be our desire to help those in need.  We show them the way of joy, peace, and love.  In these cases our friendships will be superb.  Yes, we could say like Aristotle Onassis (1906–1975), a Greek shipping magnate: “It is during the darkest moments we must focus to see the light.”  By seeing God’s glory in heavenly places is a gift of supreme light.

A Baptist minister, humanitarian, and leader of the African American Civil Rights Movement, Martin Luther King, Jr. (1929–1968) said, “Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that.  Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that.”  Our Heavenly Father’s love is incredible, blessing, cleansing, and elevating us.

Light Up Lives

Light is an extraordinary motif.  In the Gospels Jesus Christ is referred to as the light of the world.  He drives away not only shadows, but the darkness that threatens to envelop us.  Demi Lovato (b. 1992), a singer, songwriter, and actress wrote, “No matter what you are going through, there’s a light at the end of the tunnel and it may be hard to get to it, but you can do it and just keep working towards it and you will find a positive side of things.”  Her motto is: “Don’t let disappointments get you down.”  Put up with your experiences and see where they lead.  Not all are necessarily bad, but whatever they are these things may be for our own good.  As Jesus Christ and the apostles taught that trials and tribulations are nothing more than tests.  They are meant to build up our character.  So when the storms of life are battering us down we’ll not fail, and be washed away into a sea of hopelessness.  But we must be like good seeds planted in fertile ground which when they spring up, blossom, and are able to withstand the strong winds of change.

God’s Gifts

Our lives must reflect the gifts God has prepared for us.  Some people capture this beauty in their demeanor.  A motivational speaker, writer, and consultant Denis Waitley (b. 1933) said, “A smile is the light of your window that tells others that there is a caring, sharing person inside.”  Try embracing who and what you are.  Being baptized Christians we’re called to undertake our priestly duties on earth.  So we must spread joy with smiles and laughter.  These expressions tell others: “I’m a saved, alive, and enjoying life, even though I’m passing through the valley, and shadow of death.”  Such an approach to life has made Eleanor Roosevelt (1884–1962), a politician, diplomat, and first lady of the United States remarkable in recognizing, “It is better to light a candle than curse the darkness.”  The gift of light dispels darkness.   Christ as the light in our lives brings peace, happiness, and fulfillment to our souls.