The dawn will break

 

In the Southern Hemisphere we are experiencing the Winter Solstice today. Our shortest day and longest night, will be mirrored by the longest day and shortest night in the Northern Hemisphere. Whichever you are experiencing today, please think on these few thoughts:

The longest night of our year will only be from 17:44 this evening until 07:51 tomorrow morning (in Cape Town). Yes, it will be cold and dark, but it will not be forever. I find that I have a greater capacity to 'hang on' when I know that the end is in sight. 

This thought gives me hope when I think about all the pain and heartache in the world - with Christ we are offered the great hope that even our darkest of times will not be forever.

Jesus died and entered into the darkness, but that was also short-lived. Three days later he rose from the grave and gifted us all with the promise of new life. 

Psalm 112:4 - Even in darkness light dawns for the upright, for those who are gracious and compassionate and righteous.

"No winter lasts forever; no spring skips its turn." — Hal Borland

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Perpetual Light

Today marks the Winter Solstice in the Southern Hemisphere, where we experience the longest night and shortest day of the year. Some countries, closer towards the North Pole, are currently having perpetual daylight - where they can have no real darkness at all. It is amazing to think of living in a world where there is no darkness at all.

In a spiritual sense this is what we long for - we long to be in the presence of Christ for eternity, where there is no 'darkness' at all. We get a glimpse of what this can be like when we read these words from Leviticus.

Leviticus 24:1-4 - God spoke to Moses: “Order the People of Israel to bring you virgin olive oil for light so that the lamps may be kept burning continually. Aaron is in charge of keeping these lamps burning in front of the curtain that screens The Testimony in the Tent of Meeting from evening to morning continually before God. This is a perpetual decree down through the generations. Aaron is responsible for keeping the lamps burning continually on the Lampstand of pure gold before God.

 

May the Light of Christ fill your heart today.

 

Living in Grace

D3LM3

A Long Day

This week marks the 'longest Day and shortest Night' in the Southern Hemisphere. It got me thinking about how long the days stay light for and how awesome it is be experience the long summer days. It also teaches me about how long God chooses to show us his light and Grace. God desires to reveal his love to us for as long as possible. Sadly, there will come a day when God will call all to account, but in the meantime we should all embrace the Grace given to us.

"But concerning Israel he says, “All day long I have held out my hands to a disobedient and obstinate people.” - Romans 10:21

2 Peter 3:9 - The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

As you enjoy the long summer days (or short winter days for those of you in the North) reflect on the graciousness of God. 

Living in Grace
D3LM3