Tuesday, December 16, 2025

Luke 2:8–12
Joy in the Night

This time of year, the darkness feels different. Instead of the spookiness of October, the night is softened by Christmas lights, warm, inviting, and welcoming. They don’t erase the darkness, but they help us see where we are and where we’re going.

After a meeting this evening, I noticed that some of the exterior church lights weren’t producing enough light, and one wasn’t working at all. It was a simple observation, yet important. Light matters, not just for appearance, but for safety, clarity, and helping people feel at ease.

That is the kind of night the shepherds knew. Out in the fields, under the stars, God’s light broke into their ordinary lives. The stars remind us how small we are, and how deeply we matter. God sees us exactly where we are, no matter the season of life we’re in. Joy still finds us there.

Sometimes joy works quietly. It doesn’t fix everything, but it gives enough light to take the next step. Enough light to trust that God is near, guiding us toward hope.

Prayer:
God of light, meet us in the darkness and guide our steps. Help us trust that your joy finds us wherever we are. Amen.