This time of year brings miracle of light
I am the light of the world ...
- John 8:12 (NIV)
When 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 and join me in the delight of that. I'm talking about another countdown - the time leading to Dec. 22, 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. After all the years of hearing this - this year in particular with our lack of sunshine - they started asking me how many days it would be. The thought of light is like a breath of springtime in the midst of a Midwest winter.
On the darkest night of the year, Dec. 21, God performed 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. And we can't refute the miracle, because it's proven through science and our visual senses.
Besides the solstice bringing light this time of year, there are other miraculous, historical stories celebrated. One is known since ancient times as the Jewish Festival of Lights, when the temple menorah, or lamp, remained lit for eight days, although it contained enough oil for only one.
Then there was the star of Bethlehem. Its brilliance lit up the eastern sky and led the three wise men to the Christ child. It is one of the miraculous Bible facts of our Christmas story.
The interesting scenario about all of these accounts, is they are all surrounded by miracles and light.
No wonder we enjoy celebrating Christmas with twinkling lights. Some of them are strands of multiple colors, while others cast a soft, white glow that adds 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, who is referred to in the Bible as the spiritual light of the world. Maybe God thought if he could reach our senses with some visual illumination, it might light something in our spirits to help us believe in his love.
After all, the idea of so many miracles involving light within just a few days of each other is a thought to ponder and embrace.
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 an author, speaker, life coach, nurse and Bible teacher. Annettee is available to speak to your church group, business, civic organization or be your personal life coach. She can be contacted at Annetteebudzban@aol.com or (847) 543-8413.