Light and darkness, when you think about it, completely dictate the cycle of our lives. Daytime, nighttime; awake, asleep –  a cycle that repeats itself over 27,000 times in the average lifetime.

And, let’s be honest here, we all travel through dark times in life; times when hope for the future seems to have been snuffed out; times when the darkness seems to have defeated the light.

Today, if you’re not away, is the Chinese Lantern Festival. It’s a night of light, joy, and family gathering. People hang and release lanterns — symbolising letting go of the past and welcoming hope for the future. It often concludes with solving riddles written on lanterns.

Many cultures have celebrations like that, in an effort to reinforce a sense of hope for the future. We shouldn’t be at all surprised that this one draws on light as its metaphor for hope.

But here’s the thing … life is indeed a riddle. We have no idea of what lies ahead. Will it be light, or will it be darkness? So when darkness overshadows your life – be it the evil perpetrated in this world, be it pain and suffering, loneliness, be it what may – where does your light come from?

In his brief account of the creation of the universe, the Apostle John points to Jesus not only as its creator but as something more, much more!

John 1:5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not defeated it.

Jesus doesn’t merely shine light into our lives; He is the light of the world. And no matter what darkness may threaten to overcome you, know this: The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not defeated it.

That’s God’s Word. Fresh … for you … today.