'Tis the season to find the light in the darkness
"I am the light of the world…"
- John 8:12 (NIV)
I texted my friend how many days were left until the solstice takes place.
"That's the best news I heard all day!" she texted back.
As soon as December rolls around, I start informing all my friends and family that the countdown has begun. Oh, I'm not referring to the countdown for Christmas (although many of you know I enjoy Advent calendars). Instead, I'm talking about counting the number of days leading the way to Dec. 21, when the days begin to get a bit lighter.
In the bleak, dark, sunless days of winter, my friends hear me report how many days are left until the winter solstice takes place (this is where we start gaining back a few minutes of sunlight each day).
This year, in particular, I was surprised when they started asking me how many more days it would be before the solstice would take place. The thought of light for everyone is like a breath of springtime in the midst of a Midwest winter.
On the darkest night of the year, Dec. 20, God performs a pre-Christmas miracle none can deny. While we sleep, the solstice takes place and the break of dawn brings with it a minute or more of sunlight to brighten and warm our days.
Besides the solstice, there are other miraculous historical stories celebrated. One is known since ancient times as the Jewish Festival of Lights, when the temple menorah remained lit for eight days even though it only contained enough oil for one.
Then there was the star of Bethlehem, mentioned in Luke chapter 2, as its brilliance lit up the eastern sky and led the three wise men to the Christ child.
The main theme of these miracles is unmistakably light. It's no wonder we enjoy celebrating Christmas with twinkling lights. Whether multi-colors or soft white, these strands add a warmth to our senses.
When I think of these amazing stories, I wonder if God planted the solstice just days before we celebrate the birth of Christ, whom the Bible refers to as the light of the world (John 8:12).
Maybe God thought if he could reach our senses with some visual illumination, it might brighten our hearts and spirits with love. After all, the thought of so many miracles involving light within just a few days of each other, is a thought to ponder.
As we celebrate the season for light, love and miracles, let's pray and believe for God to light our lives with his divine goodness and a mighty miracle to make our hearts a bit lighter.
• Annettee Budzban is a Christian author, speaker, life coach and nurse. She can be contacted at annetteebudzban@aol.com or (847) 543-8413.