The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?
For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling;
he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent and set me high upon a rock.
I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.
Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.
(Psalm 27:1, 5, 13-14 NIV)
God, thank you for this Winter Solstice Day. You have made the heavens and the earth, set it all into motion, and have perfectly aligned our earth, solar system, and universe to support life on this planet.
You’re welcome, Child. As I said in the beginning, it is good.
Yes, Lord. But it has been dark. Both physically, as the days have been very short, and spiritually.
The physical world can mirror the spiritual world, but you know that the tilt of the earth’s axis is part of my original design.
Yes, Lord. Your design is good, but there’s been a lot of emotional and spiritual struggle around me this week. A marriage deteriorating under very harsh accusations. A conversation that didn’t have the answers I had hoped. Two different families who are deeply grieving the losses of strong mothers. Another man choosing addiction instead of his wife and young family.
Those are all hard things. Remember: love others, but don’t take on their burdens. MY yoke for you is easy and my burden is light. Do not take on others’ yokes. Encourage them, share love and hope, but don’t absorb their burdens. The old hymn about counting your blessings is true here, too.
Yes, Lord. Even in the midst of the physical and spiritual darkness around me, I do see your Light. A good report at the eye doctor. Safety as we travel on snowy roads. A delicious meal last night. An unexpected visit with a delightful friend. A choir concert that went very well.
Yes. Focus on my Light, Child. I love you and want you to live in my Light. In me there is no darkness for I am the Lord of Light. In this world you will have struggles and those around you will struggle, but I am faithful to always, always, always be with you when you struggle because I AM. I AM your Hope. I AM your Peace. I AM your Way, Truth, Light, and Life. Trust me that the dark places in your life will turn around, much as the short days of winter will turn into the long days of summer. Trust me that in my timing and in my way, all that is confusing or grieving or unanswered or challenging will come to resolution. Seek me and my Light. I AM the I AM. I have a future with HOPE for all my children.
Thank you, Abba.
Lord God of Light,
You have made the heavens and the earth by your great power – the sun and moon to light the earth by day and night. And you sent Jesus to be the Light of the World so that we can follow him and know his light on our paths. Thank you that, now as the winter solstice has passed, we know the sun’s light and your Son’s Light will both increase on the earth. Day by day, your glory will rise upon the earth and the thick darkness of sin and evil that covers this world will be replaced by the glory of the Lord. Thank you for the beauty of candlelight, stars, and angels singing during this Christmas season. Thank you that your Light shines into places of deep darkness and sin and draws and calls all nations and people to you. Pour out your Light and Hope into places of despair, grief, confusion, addiction, questions, and general hopelessness. May we your Church be a blessing and light to those around us who need to hear the Good News of your Great Joy that has come for each of us – Christ the Lord. We pray in his name, Amen.
Arise, shine, for your light has come,
and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.
See, darkness covers the earth
and thick darkness is over the peoples,
but the Lord rises upon you
and his glory appears over you.
Nations will come to your light,
and kings to the brightness of your dawn. (Isaiah 60:1-3 NIV)
Jesus answered, “Are there not twelve hours of daylight? Anyone who walks in the daytime will not stumble, for they see by this world’s light. It is when a person walks at night that they stumble, for they have no light.” (John 11:9-10 NIV)
You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. (Matthew 5:14 NIV)
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. (John 8:12 NIV)
Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. (Psalm 119:105 NIV)
I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. (Luke 2:10 NIV)
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the Lord. (Jeremiah 29:11-14 NIV)
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:29-30 NIV)
[Prayer adapted from a 12/21/20 post]