In case you spaced it, today is Winter Solstice, the shortest, most light-lacking day of the year. I couldn't help but think how appropriate it is that at this, the darkest time of year, we celebrate the birth of The Light of the World. How symbolic that we remember the birth of He who would save us from darkness, and through His example and teachings, light our way. "I am the light of the world," He said. "He that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life" (John 8:12).
A friend was telling me, a day or two ago, that she dislikes winter. It's too dark; the days are so short, the weather so cold and dismal. Life is often like that, too. We feel almost like an outcast, out in the cold, seeking the warmth and light of hope. At the risk of sounding depressed (which I am not), I want to dedicate this post to all who are feeling, or have ever felt, that life--at least in some moments--was more darkness than light, more despair than hope.
As we pass through hardships our faith in life and in God is often tried. We long for the security we once had in those longer days of summer, when the land was fruitful and life was constantly reminding us that God was watching over His earth and over our welfare. In the darker days of our troubles, we struggle, wondering what is happening to our plans, our hopes and our dreams. How could a loving God allow us to suffer so much hurt when we are trying our best, every day, to follow the Savior and honor His sacrifices? I know I have wrestled with these questions, and have sometimes felt my heart break as I have wondered why my dreams have been dashed, and my plans come to naught. They were good dreams, they were honorable plans. What was wrong with them? If nothing, then why has God not honored and prospered them? If Christ is our Savior, and we are following His example and living a good life, why can we not be spared such heartache? Isn't it reasonable and excusable to doubt, to question our faith when we are walking in these mists of darkness and discouragement?
I have been reading a book called Byzantium*, and enjoying it very much. Just a few pages into this lengthy tale, I came across these words: "Never doubt in the darkness that which you believed in the light." On our best days, when our prospects were bright, and our hopes were high, we held to the belief that God was guiding us; that Christ's example was worth following; that our life had meaning and purpose. Are those beliefs less true now that we are passing through the darkness of a long, cold winter; or are we just forgetting what it was like to travel in the more brilliant light of His obvious watch care?
I was blessed to receive some significant teachings, first from my family, and later from the church I joined. Those teaching are that God will provide, and my trials are valuable experiences that can enlarge my faith as I continue to seek and follow the Light of Christ, no matter how dark and discouraging my situation might be. If His teachings were true when I followed Him in my happiest days, they are still true in the darkness of a cold December.
I am so grateful for the birth and life of the Savior, the Light of the World. How joyful that on this, the darkest day of the year, I look forward to celebrating His nativity. Though I may pass through many winters during my lifetime, I am blessed to focus on Him as I approach each of these periods. I know that because of Him, I will pass through all those dismal days with His light to guide me. As I was taught in childhood, God will provide. The Savior is always available to strengthen me, and though I may not see Him as clearly during these periods of darkness, He is still there, walking beside me--in His scriptures, in His teachings, in His example--perhaps in His very being. He is always relevant and needed. So, I encourage you to "never doubt in the darkness that which you believed in the light." Truth is truth, no matter the time of year, and His Truth will provide the light you need, no matter how dark the day may seem!
*Stephen R. Lawhead, Byzantium, (Harper Collins, New York, 1996) 25.