Once, an artist painted a winter scene: a snow-covered ground and pine trees.
The artist’s hand brought the day to a close, and night fell on the canvas, with the entire scene covered in semi-darkness. A grim log cabin was barely visible in the shadows.
Then, the artist dipped his brush in his pallet’s yellow paint and, with a few strokes, placed in one of the cabin windows a lamp’s warm glow. As he finished the painting, the lamp’s golden rays reflected on the fresh snow.
That single light totally changed the picture’s tone, replacing the gloomy, chilled night with a warm, secure homestead.
What happened on that canvas happened 2,000 years ago on the world’s canvas. Jesus entered a world enveloped in darkness and despair, but his light brought hope and anticipation.
Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.”
Many people heard him speak those words, and their perception of life changed. They were filled with hope. They were filled with joy. They were filled with warmth and security.
When Jesus was crucified and placed in a tomb, it seemed the light of the world had been extinguished. But that was a misconception. Because, as bright as the light was during Jesus’ earthly life, that light exploded into mind-boggling brilliance just three days later!
There is light that shines in this world’s darkness. There is hope that shines brightly and glows with the promises of God’s loving presence, of God’s healing powers, of God’s purposes being accomplished.
This is the kind of hope that puts a spring in our step. It is the kind of hope that puts a smile on our faces. It is the kind of hope that enables us to say, “Things are pretty challenging, but I will live today to its fullest to the glory of God.”
And, when today is finished, we look forward to tomorrow, not because we are dissatisfied with today, but because we know God will be with us tomorrow, and the day after that, and the day after that.
We look forward to how God continues to unfold his promises for us.
The Rev. Mark Broadhead is pastor at Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church and First Presbyterian Church of Crestview.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: BROADHEAD: Light still shines in this world's darkness