God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.
~ 1 John 1:5-6 (NKJV)
Today's winter solstice brings to the northern hemisphere more hours of darkness than any other day of the year. An overnight lunar eclipse further dimmed the moonlight, and clouds obscured even starlight, plunging the sky into full darkness.
Jesus observed that some people love darkness rather than light, because their deeds are evil, but that lovers of truth are drawn to light—they are drawn to the Light of Jesus. (John 3:19-21)
The apostle John says much of Jesus—God Himself—as Light, and also as Life and as Love. John does not write in shadows, but draws sharp lines of separation between these definitions of Jesus, and the darkness, death, and hatred which define the devil. To choose the latter categorically excludes fellowship with the former.
Fellowship might be defined as time spent hearing and sharing what is in our hearts with one another. Fellowship with God means spending time in His presence, hearing and sharing with each other—through talking with Him and reading His Word, and through fellowship and love with His people.
Lunar Eclipse, as seen over MichiganDecember 21, 2010, 1:50 am EST
(full eclipse obscured by clouds)
He who says he is in the light, and hates his brother, is in darkness until now. He who loves his brother abides in the light, and there is no cause for stumbling in him.
~ 1 John 2:9-10 (NKJV)
Darkness, death, and the devil take many forms and threaten in many ways. But they must shrink back when we have fellowship with God.
Darkness cannot prevail in the presence of Light.
Death cannot prevail in the presence of Life.
The devil cannot prevail in the presence of Love.
Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, "I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life."
~ John 8:12 (NKJV)
Father in Heaven, thank You for the great gift of your Son, in Whom You have given us Light, Life and Love. Whatever darkness surrounds us, please draw our attention to Your prevailing Light.
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Copyright 2010, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
...having been awake since 1 a.m. it's going to a long day:) been thinking for the last few days about His love. then yesterday i read one of your comments in the back forty concerning it in relationship to forgiveness. you said:
ReplyDelete...it's barely possible that when we know how very much we've been forgiven, not only is our capacity to forgive increased, but our capacity for love.
it's a lot to chew on...
Hi dear Anne,
ReplyDeleteThis is the most profound part of the SEASON of Christmas, to me--that Jesus breaks through the darkest of the dark to bring ultimate Light to the world. When I light candles, or see Christmas tree or outdoor lights, I appreciate anew why earlier Christians chose December for our Christmas celebration.
May God bless you richly this week and beyond!
An amazing post. I watched the eclipse too and wondered how the ancients felt. Some would worshipped the sun that shone or the moon sheathed in darkness. But we worship the creator of all those objects. And what a reminder of darkenss and light and the divine convergence.
ReplyDeleteSuch a light filled post sis, from such a radiant light, you. I love you.
ReplyDeleteAmen. Wonderful comparison. Thank you Anne.
ReplyDeleteHis light, life and Love to you.
ReplyDeleteAnne, that contrast between light and dark keeps me alive. The Light does, anyway.
ReplyDeleteSo foundational is it for me that I pulled out an old notebook when I read this post, the one that is full of verses I scribble across the pages as I read the Word, each time I come across the word "light," "dark," "shine," "morning," etc.
As you well know, there are references aplenty.
Light, for me, is perhaps His greatest metaphor.
All very important "L's" ... you share them well.
ReplyDeleteBud ~
ReplyDeleteI really said that? Some days, when you mention my back forty, I go back and read it myself, and find something I'm still learning. Thanks for bringing these back to me when I need them. (I suspect the Lord may have a hand in that ...)
Gwen ~
ReplyDeleteHow dark shall our world become before Light again bursts in upon it? I grow impatient, even as I trust His timing.
My love to you and yours. When I have a moment to breathe, I hope to work on a Christmas letter.
David ~
ReplyDeleteI wonder that our Creator made the starry host and astronomical marvels when He knew they would be worshiped. I wonder that He made us when He knew how we would behave. Someday seeing the convergence of the many components in His divine plan will surely amaze us.
How I envy those who saw the eclipse in crisp high altitude air. I miss nightly seeing the Milky Way from 5,000 ft. I'm glad your eyes beheld what mine could not.
And thanks for the tweet! :D May the Lord bless you and keep you in the Christmas season, and throughout 2011.
Denise ~
ReplyDeleteHow happy my heart is to have you back! I praise the Lord that He has returned you. I ask Him to preserve you in health and peace and love.
Jason ~
ReplyDeleteGod bless you! May He sharpen your discernment and guide your words.
nance marie ~
ReplyDeleteHis presence prevails
darkness cannot overcome
praise Him, all the earth!
Lyla ~
ReplyDeleteWhat a treasure that notebook must be. We could not endure without His Word. "I have treasured His Word more than my necessary food."
I think I have provoked Darkness. I cannot say it was unintentional. Nor do I claim to prevail in every skirmish. But I know my end—and I know the end which awaits Darkness.
When I confront Darkness, Light has my back. Though Darkness is utterly dark and black and dreadful in its terror, Light is with me. Light awaits me. Light sustains me.
I shall not fail to praise Light!
Susan ~
ReplyDeleteI share the three L's in words alone. How blessed I am to know you, and to experience the way you share them with pictures that say so much when combined with your few words.