It’s the time of year when many go to work in the dark and come home in the dark or very close to dark. Throughout the commute our eyes are peeled for what may be in the road or along the road that could cause us to wreck or do damage to our cars. It’s stressful, driving morning and evening on high alert. We may drive for long stretches without seeing anyone else on the road. It’s uncomfortable, driving in the dark with no one else nearby. When we see headlights pop up over a hill in front of us, or slide above the horizon behind us, we take comfort in their presence and our vision is supported by the extra light they provide. We can see the median a little better to know if something is about to run across into our lane. We can use their tail lights to see if we need to hit the brakes up ahead or alter our course a little.

As I reflect on this time of year when the days become shorter and the sun seems to hide from us, I am reminded that it isn’t only a physical season of darkness that can give us discomfort and create in us a longing for others and the light they provide. Sweet friends, life is full of emotional and spiritual dark seasons when we struggle to see the way before us and feel alone on our journey. Just as we welcome the company of another car on the road and the light it provides, so too do we in those times of personal darkness welcome the light of others in our lives.

Brothers and Sisters, it stands to reason then, knowing how much we need the light of others to help us see in dark times, to give us comfort when we feel alone, that we should therefore strive to be a light in the lives of those around us – that we should shine the great light that God has provided us for all to see.

Through our actions and attitudes, our words and our works, we can show others the way out of darkness and bring comfort into their lives.

None of us would install new headlights in our car and then drive without them on, so why would we leave the light we’ve found in Jesus Christ switched off?

This time of year, this season of life, it needs more light.

Followers of Christ, it’s time to shine brighter than we’ve ever shown before.