The Shortest Day...

Today is the shortest day of the year for those if us in my part of the world.
Which also means that it's the longest night.

For many the Christmas season is full of darkness, inside and out.
The feelings of loneliness, brokenness, sadness and shame seem overwhelming.
They live the words of the Prophet Isaiah...

So justice is far from us, and righteousness does not reach us. We look for light, but all is darkness; for brightness, but we walk in deep shadows.
~ Isaiah 59:9


But here's the thing about our longest night.
On the other side of the world, it's their longest day!

So while the prophet stumbled through the darkness, he knew the world would keep turning. He knew the darkness would turn to light.
And so he spoke of great hope.

Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard.
~ Isaiah 58:8

As we prepare to celebrate the light of God this Christmas morning, let's not neglect those lost in the dark.
Let us stand with them their long night.
Let's point them toward the light of Christ.
For we know when things are turned around the longest night become the longest day.
And the light of the world will break forth like the dawn.