Brighter Days Ahead

Happy Monday to our CFC Family;I’m sure I’m not the only one who finds these shorter days of sunlight a bit challenging. Waking up in the dark and returning home to the same darkness often makes me reminisce about those long, bright summer evenings in Manitoba. Just a few months ago, I was still mowing the lawn at 9:00 p.m., and now, at that same hour, I’m contemplating going to bed! With the colder temperatures adding to the mix, it’s easy to understand why some people find this time of year quite depressing. For some, this season will mark the first Christmas without beloved family members who have passed away. For others, it will serve as a painful reminder of financial struggles and the inability to provide the gifts they long to give their children. And for some, all the talk of “family” and “traditions” will only highlight the tension and brokenness in their own family relationships. Like our world today, with all its challenges, concerns, and global conflicts, 2,000 years ago the world was also gripped by political turmoil, oppression, and darkness—and in many ways, it was even worse. The Roman Empire ruled with an iron fist, offering little freedom and hope to the common people. Many struggled under heavy taxes, injustice, and fear, while King Herod, a puppet ruler under Roman authority, governed with cruelty and paranoia. Even ordering the massacre of hundreds of innocent baby boys after hearing that a potential new King was about to be born there. It was indeed a dark time. Yet like it was during the time that Jesus was born, God wants each of us to know that despite the uncertainties, there is always hope in the midst of our darkest times. For as the saying goes, “The darker the night,  the brighter the stars.” Just as the star guided the Wise Men to Jesus amidst all the distractions and darkness, so too we must keep our eyes on our “Morning Star,” for he is the one who will lead us to brighter days ahead. And just as we are guaranteed that the long days of summer will once again return in a few short months, so too, the Lord promises that the darkness of this world will one day, like Herod of old, be defeated. The eternal light of God will shine bright throughout the world, bringing hope and peace to all. So what are you going to do this Christmas season to remind everyone that there is hope in the midst of all the darkness? Maybe choose to have a cheerful spirit, maybe decide to focus on ones blessing rather than despairs, or maybe just stop complaining and finally put up those Christmas lights!! What ever you choose to do, may you decide to allow your life to reflect the hope and the “better days ahead” that God has in store for everyone who places their faith in him. “The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.” Romans 13:12 Question: What area in your life where it is easier to see the darkness are you going to decide to focus on Jesus your “Morning Star” instead? Have a wonderful week and we’ll see you Sunday!