Seasons are changing. Days are getting shorter. The darkness is closing in. The reality that we are made of dirt is apparent. Dust to dust.
Fellow Christians, why fear the dark? Do not lose heart. For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
He was afflicted in every way, but not crushed. He was perplexed, but not driven to despair. He was persecuted but not forsaken; He was struck down but not destroyed. Through the darkening political, social, and economic climate, His light grew. He remained filled with love for His Father and His neighbor. He produced fruit in season and out of season. The darkness of the cross and grave could not overcome His light. Even death could not hold Him.
By the power of Christ in us, we can do the same. We can remain aglow in the darkness. Jesus said,
“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
We are given over to death so that the life of Jesus can also be manifested in our mortal bodies. We have this treasure in jars of clay so that the glory of God, who shines light in the darkness, can be made known to all. By the mercy of God, He has given us this incredible ministry.
Paul reminds us to not lose heart,
“Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light and momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.”
When the lesser lights go out, Christ shines the brightest. May we seek to grow in our knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. As we do, the darkness will more deeply reveal the Light.
In Christ,
—Roger Garrison
