Have you ever tried to find your way through a dark room?  What happened?  Did you bump into a piece of furniture, despite it always having been there?  Did you extend your hands out in front of you in order to cautiously feel your way around?  It truly is impossible to see in the dark.  Jesus Himself said, “Those who walk in the darkness cannot see where they are going.”  Of course – He was not speaking of a literal darkness but a spiritual one. 

“My light will shine for you just a little longer.  Walk in the light while you can, so the darkness will not overtake you.  Those who walk in the darkness cannot see where they are going.  Put your trust in the light while there is still time; then you will become children of the light.”  (John 12:35-36)

How He longs for those in the darkness to become children of the light.  How He desires for none to remain in the darkness or be overtaken by it.  

Indeed, that is what we, who have placed our trust in Jesus, are now called: children of the light.  As such:

we are to walk in the light

we are to be the light

we are to make known His light

For Jesus also said, “You are the light of the world – like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket.  Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house.  In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.”  (Matthew 5:14-16)

Yes, by shining – by continuing in good deeds, by living holy as unto the Lord, by opening up our lives to others – and as prompted by the Holy Spirit, others will open up their lives to Him.  And isn’t that what it’s all about?

So, while increasing darkness may surround us, let us keep our eyes on the Light of the World: the One who invites us to His side and to His table.  The One who is not just ever with us but ever within us.  The One who is our Comfort and Hope.  

And while we are comforted, hope-filled, and sensing His presence – let us live in such a way that offers this hope and assurance to others.  Let us be the light-bearers we are called to be in this dark, depressed, confused world.  Yes, let us carry the light – His light – into whatever spaces we go, to whatever spheres we are called.  

Why? Because the Light DID shine.  Now His plan – and desire – is to shine through us.  What a thought: we are called to be mini-light-bearers, to continue His mission.  Oh to represent Him well! To shine as He shined!  To let those in the dark know of a better way, a truer way, a hopeful way – in Him!  Indeed, the words spoken by Jesus so many centuries ago ring more and more true with each passing day: “Put your trust in the light while there is still time!

Friends, this message is for today.  This message is to be shared – and lived – through us to the world around us.  Therefore, let us not waste another day on lesser things but, rather live soberly, live purposefully, live compassionately, live wisely, live brightly.