This year I have been thinking a lot about the word “light”. It takes only seconds when the electricity goes out to realize just how dependent we are on light. Our bodies need light to survive and we can’t function well for long in darkness. Light brings us comfort, it illuminates the paths that helps keep us safe, and it allows us to see better and more efficiently than we could ever see without it. We would be lost without light.
And yet, we live in a world that seems to be drowning in darkness. Darkness is defined as the “partial or total absence of light” and “wickedness or evil”. The news is full of stories of a people who walk in darkness, lost and searching for safety and peace but unable to find it because they simply can’t see the way. Everyday we are surrounded by people who struggle to find their way because they have no light by which to see the path–and they don’t even realize that such a light exists. The Bible tells us that Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12) It also says, “Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil.” (John 3:19) The truth is, many people choose to walk in darkness because they kind of like it–it’s much easier to hide in the darkness than it is in the light. But we are called to shine into the darkness and light the path. We are called to reflect the light of Christ and help people to see there is a better way than stumbling in the dark. We have the privilege to “declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” (1 Peter 2:9)
What does all of this talk about light have to do with Faith & Life? I believe that we at Faith & Life are called to be a lighthouse of sorts, guiding those around us out of the dark and helping to illuminate the path. We want to be a light source for all of you who are learning how to reflect the Son and the giver of light and life. It is our mission to “encourage, inspire, and strengthen the faith of individuals in Newton and the surrounding communities. We seek to be a resource for church members and non-members through the sale of books, music, greeting cards, and other inspirational gifts and to partner with local churches and organizations to positively impact the community.”
Our updated website with online shopping is just another way that we are trying to be light to our community and the surrounding areas. The darkness is strong in our world, but it is not stronger than the light. We can continue to work together to shine for Jesus and to draw others into His light. “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” (John 1:5)
Thank you for continuing to partner with us to bring light to the world.
