Pushing back the dark...

Darkness. It makes children whimper in fear. It grips a person's soul and threatens to kill hope. It causes good hearted people to do unspeakable acts. This thing, this condition, this place of fear and failure, this darkness has no power over those who hope in Jesus Christ. Here are a few scriptures that strike at the heart of darkness and defeat its power to scare, maim, and demoralize.

"The people walking in darkness have seen a great light;on those living in the land of the shadow of

death a light has dawned." (Isaiah 9:2, NIV)

"The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it." (John 1:5, NIV)

"What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the

roofs." (Matthew 10:27, NIV)

"If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. But

if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus,

his Son, purifies us from all sin." (1 John 1:6-7, NIV)

(Jesus)

If your heart is caving in to fear and dread this Christmas season, if you are grieving a loved one's death, if hope in the future seems to have been swallowed up in a dark valley, then know this. Jesus Christ came into the world on a dark cold night just for you and for me. He left the comfort of heaven and pitched His tent here among us on this cold, dark, broken earth. He is the Light that pushes back the dark and defeats the demoralizing grip of places devoid of light.

If you suffer through grief and bouts of Christmas season depression, consider coming to Lewistown First United Methodist Church's Blue Christmas service on December 20th at 4 PM. This is one of the longest nights of the year and we offer Jesus Christ and His light to illuminate your darkness and help you find hope. Maybe you don't suffer from this darkness but know someone who does. Consider inviting them to attend this service with you and become the light that leads them to the Light of Jesus.

Peace,