Through Darkness to Light It's Christmas Eve. A month ago the sun disappeared below the horizon and will not be seen again until mid-January. Norway at this time of year is not as dreary as you might think, though. The snow-covered landscape glistens from the light of the moon and stars, and the sun's reflected rays dance across the night sky. The colors can take your breath away. It has been incredibly beautiful and clear this year, and I've spent a lot of time at my big window that overlooks the ocean and islands. I've been fascinated by the special "blue light" that lingers around midday, and the enchanting effect of familiar objects seen in a different light, literally. It's only been four days since the winter solstice, but the change has been remarkable. Before, the colors were intense and dramatic—dark orange and red, deep purple, and navy. Now, they are pastels—pink, lavender, and pale cyan. It won't be long before the sun peeks over the horizon. The darkest hour is just before dawn, and we have waited for the light in more ways than one. As the tilt of Earth on its axis has hidden the sun from us for a time, our sinful human nature hid God's face from us.1 But when Jesus was born, a new age dawned. God shined the light of His love and truth on the world, bringing new hope, new life, and new beginnings to all who receive Him. Happy Christmas! Happy new start! * * * Jesus, The Light The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, upon them a light has shined.—Isaiah 9:2 Arise, shine; for your light has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you. The sun shall no longer be your light by day, nor for brightness shall the moon give light to you; but the Lord will be to you an everlasting light, and your God your glory.—Isaiah 60:1,19 In Him [Jesus] was life, and the life was the light of men.—John 1:4 I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.—Jesus, John 8:12 Joanna Hanssen is a member of the Family International in Norway.
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