A Great Light

The people dwelling in darkness have seen a great light, and for those dwelling in the region and shadow of death, on them a light has dawned.” Matthew 4:16

There is something spectacular about the morning light in April. It floods into what were so recently dark winter rooms and sends light everywhere. Rainbows are refracted in the most unlikely places and dust dances on the light beams like little children on the beach. Light, so necessary to our lives, can be too uncommon an experience. We can get used to shadows and comfortable with gloom everywhere. After a long winter, the morning light in April promises that there is redemption and new life at hand. The light streaming in, somehow lifts the spirit, somehow elevates the body so that we too might feel light dancing in the sunbeams.

Life can be very dark and shadowed for many of us. The losses pile up and our past failing seem like an stronghold around us. Grief and limitations can bury us in shadow, where we feel like our lives are hidden to the world. We can be the people dwelling in darkness, no matter what season of the year. And yet God promises, through ancient and modern prophets, heralds in every generation, to bring light to those who are bowed down, to those crushed by darkness and shadow. And so today I rejoice in the April sunbeams, even if they do shed light on how dusty and in need of cleaning my space has become.

Today, may God use each of us to bear light to one another. May we be heralds of the coming of the light, despite that challenges we each face. May we rejoice in the coming of the light, and share a good measure of that light with those around us.