Longest Night

Tonight is the Longest Night of the Year. Sometimes called the "winter solstice," sometimes called "Blue Christmas," it has come to symbolize, for some, everything that is difficult about this time of the year. Lots of darkness. Very little light. For some who have lost loved ones, the darkness is not only "out there," but also "in here." It's almost palpable. And this time of year, coupled with the songs about joy, peace, and happiness, is especially difficult to get through.

It's no mistake, then, that the early church, not knowing much more than we do about when, exactly, Jesus was born, chose this time of year to celebrate his birth. Just a few days after the longest night, as the days get longer, we celebrate the birth of the one who is the light of the world (John 8:12). Many of us will use candles in our worship celebrations to remind us of that truth, of the reality that one single candle overcomes the darkness. This time of year was chosen, I believe, to shine light into the darkest days.

It's a reminder that even when the darkness threatens to overwhelm, it cannot and will not win—unless we let it. The darkness will not ultimately win. The one who is the light of the world will, one day, come again and bring never-ending day (Revelation 22:5). He is the one who was raised from the dead. He is the one whose resurrection reminds us that the worst thing is never the last thing. This night will end. The darkness will vanish. Hope will triumph. Hold on and let him walk through the darkness with you.

His name is Jesus. He is not just a baby in a manger. He is the hope of the world, the light of life, king of the world, and the savior of all who trust in him.