November 19, 2021

“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness— on them light has shined.” (Isaiah 9:2 NRSV)

I have a confession. I sleep with a nightlight. I have nightlights in rooms and hallways throughout the house. When I travel, I pack a nightlight and use it. I am not afraid of the dark, not afraid of frightening monsters hiding under the bed or in the closet. I do not want to trip over the dog or an errant shoe. In a strange place where I don’t have the the locations of furniture and walls memorized, I want to know the way to the bathroom.

I’ve been thinking about how a little light to guide our way is comforting, often necessary, and always welcome. The same is true for my inner life, my spiritual life. I need the little moments that shine with beauty or love to lighten the shadows of doubt that creep up on me. I need the reminders of truth, the trusted words of scripture to shed light on confusion. I don’t need a flood light most of the time, just a tiny little light at the end of a hallway to guide my steps.

In this season in the northern hemisphere our days are shorter, and our nights are longer. And in this season in our nation and world, I need the assurance that even in a land of deep darkness, a light has shined. I need a night light and am not ashamed!

Following the Light of the world ~ Anne