“Just right” illumination…

For thou wilt light my candle: the Lord my God will enlighten my darkness. (King James Version)

You have turned on my light! The Lord my God has made my darkness turn to light. (The Living Bible)

Suddenly, God, you floodlight my life; I’m blazing with glory, God’s glory! (The Message)

The versions of Psalm 18:28 above share three light sources with the same result – God moving us from the darkness.

There are those candle moments. It’s very dark. Perhaps prayer and faith are harder to summon? Lighting the candle allows for sight to slowly come back into focus, providing space and time for our eyes to get accustomed to being able to see again.

Ever have that sensation of being fully in the dark – eyes open – and then suddenly the light switch is turned on without your knowing it? WHAT A SHOCK! Sometimes, decisions that seem light-induced initially are astoundingly more complicated, dark and nasty as exposure to new bright light shows.

And for those who have ever taken a shot at performing on stage, the spotlight/floodlight can be very disconcerting. It’s hard to see anything EXCEPT light. With light representing God, wouldn’t it be nice to be so surrounded in light that all else around us was out of focus and we could be bathed in that caring, loving presence? Some of our “thin-place” moments can almost feel that way…

So, as we continue in this Advent season, let’s enjoy the light – candle, electric light switch or flood/spot. May the light sources of wreath, luminary, room, stage, etc. offer just the right illumination of God in your life!

LET’S PRAY: God, emblazon and embolden us with the Spirit. As the song This Little Light of Mine song suggests, help us share your light with all around us… Amen!

Enjoy the day filled with the Spirit!