Forging light in the darkness

My husband had an appointment on campus recently so I dropped him off and headed for the library to return those items which were due.  It never ceases to amaze me how quickly the campus becomes almost empty over the Holidays.   There were parking spaces available in front of the library.  :)

It had been a frustrating week, full of little foxes that nipped at my heels.  My mood at times matched the dreary weather.  Of course, our entire nation has had a cover of darkness over it after evil was manifested in Connecticut (such a beautiful state!).

There came a time on Saturday where I was talking to myself, reminding Me that God is in control of this country as well as my own problems.  My natural inclination is to become tense and mentally go down a road of doom as a minion of the Father of Lies whispers in my ear the natural consequences of every unwanted situation.  I have to decide to challenge those lies.

Don't get me wrong, I am still very much enjoying this Season of Advent.  I'm actually trying to embrace every moment the house is filled with sparkle, the Christmas shows are enjoyed, and Christmas books read.   You know, one of the good things (finding good in all circumstances) about having a chronic illness... lack of guilt over extra time reading and watching.  ;)

Oh, and yes... the Elisabeth Goudge Christmas book is excellent.  I have checked it out a couple of times in the past and was quite pleased to find it back on the shelves when I was at the library while waiting for Hubby.  I love the comment how the stories were read to a sick child at one time!

However, it is true that real life goes on in the midst of it all and things like getting a letter from the State cancelling my insurance because of one missed paper sent in (amongst many that were sent certified mail) is enough to push anyone over the edge for awhile. Only the government would cancel insurance due to missing one piece of paper instead of letting you know an error was made!.

All this to say... amidst the sparkle the reality of living in a fallen world continues.

I think that is part of the reason the killings in Connecticut has caused us such overwhelming grief.  It would make us very sad, of course... who could not cry at such a tragedy?

But it is the irony of the Celebration of a Birth amongst the destruction... the sparkle of Life and the expectations of little children... Christmas lights and gifts wrapped and celebrations planned... all the backdrop of funeral after funeral after funeral.

As I wrote before, the greatest honor we can bestow on those whose lives were taken is to... live life.  Embrace the Season, read the Gospels, bake cookies, sing along to Carols, light a candle and plug in the Christmas tree to add sparkle to the darkness.

Remembering the true message of Christmas... the Light of the World overcame the darkness and He is coming again.  When the Prince of Peace does return, there will be true Peace on Earth and Goodwill to Men.