By Rev. Blaine Scott, First United Methodist Church

Soon, flamboyant lights will be adorning trees, porches and windows. There will be sparkling white lights dangling from gutters, dancing in the cold winter breeze up and down the streets, house-to-house, store-to-store. The darkness of December is lit up with the festive lights of the season.

As the winter solstice, the day of least daylight in the year approaches, we also enjoy the many lights in our neighborhoods and community that especially shine bright in the midst of the darkness. Being with family, celebrating faith and spreading holiday cheer helps us remember to focus on the light rather than the dark situations of the world.

What is your favorite kind of light? Candle or fire light, sunlight, holiday lights?

The Gospel of John states, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.” John 1: 1-5.

Jesus was born into dark times in Israel’s history, yet he would be a shining light of hope who would grow up among us, laugh and love, weep and grieve, heal and teach. Because God would come in human form, the Light shines in the darkness and the darkness did not overcome it.

The psalmist prayed, “O send out your light and your truth let them lead me…” (Psalms 43.3)

In our community, there will be Christian neighbors who light the Advent Wreath consisting of five candles. And Jewish neighbors who light the Hanukkah Menorah consisting of nine candles. And the human spirit among us will light up the dark with hope for our grandchildren’s future.

May the December darkness dissipate with holiday lights, candles and a community spirit that lights up the lives of those around us!

Years ago King George V sent this blessing to his British subjects:

“I said to the man who stood at the Gate of the Year,

‘Give me a light that I might go safely out into the darkness.’

And he replied, ‘Go out into the darkness and put your hand into the hand of God.

That shall be more to you than a light and safer than a known way.’”

May the hand of God guide us safely into the holy-days and a New Year.