O Holy Night
2002 Advent Devotion Collection
December 22
READING: Psalm 139
Even the darkness is not dark to you; the night is as bright as the day, for darkness is as light to you. Psalm 139.12
I like to fly at night. As the plane
lifts off the runway and the glow of the airport lights fade in the distance,
the bright lights of the city unfold below. If I'm familiar with the city,
it's fun to try to spot familiar landmarks simply by the lights. Well-lit
buildings, arenas, ballparks and other landmarks are also easy to detect.
It is usually easy to identify major expressways and main thoroughfares.
The distance and the darkness, combined with the night-lights of the city,
make even the most decaying and neglected neighborhoods look bright and
shiny and new.
The city lights make it easy to affirm
that the plane is going in the right direction. But as the plane soars
over the countryside, it becomes difficult to determine our location or
even which direction the plane is flying. We must rely on the pilot's
navigational skills to get us safely to the right destination.
I would like to think that when God looks at us, he looks at us in the darkness of night so that our flaws and imperfections are not as evident. Of course God does see us in the light of day and is intimately aware of all of our shortcomings. Fortunately, God sent his Son to lead us through the darkness, making sure we arrive safely at our destination. While the pilot does all the work for us, Jesus is like a co-pilot, helping us navigate through the darkness to the light of the new day.
PRAYER: Oh God, you are ever with us in darkness and light. Guide us and direct us when we find ourselves engulfed in the gloom of life's troubles. Help us respond to the leading of our Savior so that the darkness may become light. Make us especially aware of your great gift during this Advent season. And prepare our hearts to receive the coming Savior and let Him lead us out of the darkness to the light of your eternal love. Amen. Larry P.
Central Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
(217) 428-4336