In the darkness something was happening at last…the blackness overhead, all at once, was blazing with stars. ~ The Magician’s Nephew, C. S. Lewis

Last night, on the very foggy night, we took the girls Christmas light hunting. I wondered how well we would see the lights. The fog caused the lights to glow more brilliantly on the gloomy, dark night. Recently, in both my studies and my prayers, the Lord keeps sending me passages and images of light in the darkness.

A few weeks ago, I put a battery-lit candle on my desk in class. Only the person sitting at my desk saw it. But when we turned out the lights, everyone could see it and turned their full attention toward it. That’s what light does: it draws our attention. It also causes darkness to flee and brings us comfort and warmth, especially as we draw nearer.

Luke 2:8-14 depicts a glorious announcement, made in the dark of night to shepherds. When they saw the angel, surrounded by the Lord’s presence, they were very afraid. But he said, “Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people,” (v.10 KJV). Just imagine, you are the outcast of all society, alone with just sheep in the blackness of the night. Then an angel, surrounded by the glory of the Lord, appears before you. Shaking with fear, you know it’s not a dream. But at the sound of his voice and the message he brings, fear gives way to hope and peace. And when the angel leaves, the warmth in your heart remains, causing you to seek out the truth in his message: the Child.

As today is Christmas Eve, the angel’s message—his good tidings of great joy—is for you. You are not an outcast in the darkness, whom nobody sees. The Lord in heaven sees you, which is why He sent His Son, the Light of the world, so that you could draw nearer. Whether your day is quiet and lonely, or busy “getting ready,” be sure to reflect on the brilliance of the angel’s message:

“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men,” (vv.11-14).

Merry Christmas!