Light in the dark has a kind of double meaning to me living in Alberta. There’s the physical darkness. Today, sunrise was at 8:32, and sunset at 4:28. For the next month, there’s less than 8 hours of daylight. It’s cold, dark and slippery out! On top of that, with Phil’s illness, times can seem dark. So many friends are also living in difficult circumstances!
I’ve been thinking about these verses from Isaiah chapter 9. “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned. For to us a child is born, a son is given, and the government will be upon his shoulders. And he will be called wonderful, counselor, mighty God, the everlasting Father, the prince of peace.”
It was 700 years yet to Christ’s birth at the time that was written, and we are still waiting for Him to return. Seems a sad hope. Recently I realized that kind of thinking was a bit silly. Because of Christ’s coming, for each of us, the darkness can be banished at our death. And even now, while we walk in darkness, in the valley of the shadow of death, there is hope. in Psalm 23, we are promised that in the presence of our difficulties and burdens, He sets a table for us and shows us his goodness and mercy. So many times, I’ve blinded myself to what he is giving. Kind of like the kid screaming for something they don’t have instead of enjoying the good things they’re being given. For me, with God’s help, some days I’m able to joyfully see his love, looking for little things, and enjoying nature, trying to see what God is giving.
Sharing the beauty I do notice through art and photography makes me smile and hopefully that shared beauty can lighten bring joy to others. I’ve re-built our photography website so hopefully it’s easier to enjoy. Phil isn't able to do much at all on the computer and so I've been working at learning to do things and taking ownership. It's challenging and kind of makes me sad, but hopefully better than just letting things drop. Here's the updated web address https://karenrispin.com/art-photography. It is so good that I can show Phil that the photography he and I did together for years is still giving people joy!
I hope you enjoy the light God gives you this Christmas. One bonus is that It's easier to be up at dawn, sometimes the whole sky is pink, and the snow is gorgeous.
Hope you can see the light he's giving you this Christmas. You can pray that for us too.