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 to be through him, and without him nothing came to be. What came to be through him was life, and this life was the light of the human race; the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. John 1:1-5
(Jupiter & Saturn, “Christmas Star”)
This photo was taken earlier this month at Longwood Gardens near Philadelphia. It reminds me that during Advent, we wait in quiet and darkness.
Lord of Light, our only hope of glory,
your radiance shines in all who look to you. Come light the hearts of all in dark and shadow.
O Root of Life, implant your seed within us, and in your advent draw us all to you,
our hope reborn in dying and in rising.
For you, O lord, my soul in stillness waits;
Truly my hope is in you.
(Marty Haugen)
This photo was taken on a flight out of Chicago earlier this year. If you look closely, you can see the top of Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower) sticking up through the clouds.
A number of phrases come to mind: the tip of the iceberg, up to my eyes in (fill in the blank), struggling to keep my head above water, lost in a fog. It strikes me that all of these have a negative connotation. There is something inherently frightening about darkness and not be able to see.
There is nothing concealed that will not be revealed, nor secret that will not be known. Therefore whatever you have said in the darkness will be heard in the light, and what you have whispered behind closed doors will be proclaimed on the house tops. Luke 12:2-3
This photo was taken in Jamaica, at Galina Breeze going from the water up the steps to the hotel rooms. This is a fence of sorts, set up along the steps. I can’t help but feel like there are animals hiding among the branches. The feeling is even stronger going up the steps after sunset.
How often do things only exist in our imagination? How often do our biggest fears have no basis in reality?
I really enjoy flying at night. Not only is there a good chance to see a spectacular sunset, I enjoy seeing city lights at night. This is a photo from a flight into Chicago. I was struck by the contrast between the lights and the darkness of the lake.
“The people who sit in darkness have seen a great light, on those dwelling in a land overshadowed by death light has arisen.” Matthew 4:16
Signs Along the Way 