Book Excerpt #31 "Let Light Dispel the Darkness"

48. Let Light Dispel the Darkness 

An angel of the Lord appeared to them, 
and the glory of the Lord shone around then, 

and they were terrified. (Luke 2: 9) 

Imagine that special night. Sheep were sedate from a full day of following their shepherds and ready for rest, as were the shepherds. The night was clear except for a brilliant star. All was still.

Then— a burst of light, angels speaking, glory outshining that brilliant star— and the shepherds were terrified. Some translations record that they were sore afraid. That is mighty scared. That is scared to one’s innermost being. It is a huge surge of fear!

A few verses later Luke records, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests” (Luke 2: 14).

Why was this unexpected honor given to the shepherds? Their work was not a job of high profile. They lived solitary lives caring for their flocks. Yet God saw their faithfulness and chose to honor them. His favor rested upon them.

How can these thoughts be of help to us when the unexpected happens in our lives? We feel far from favored, often solitary, and set apart. We tire before day’s end. We expect too much of ourselves, often sensing we have disappointed our Shepherd.

Yet He knows each one of us. He knows the longings of our hearts and the times we are sore afraid. He knows something else. Light, his light, always dispels the darkness.

How long did the shepherds stay terrified?

Once the message being heralded became real to them, they rushed off to Bethlehem. They found the Messiah, a babe in swaddling clothes. Then they proclaimed to all who would listen the wonders of what they had seen and heard.

The stars in heaven continue to sing the same glory. The favor of our Shepherd rests upon us. We can spread his good news to those we encounter during our hardest moments because God’s light dispels the darkness. It did long ago and gratefully, it still does today.

Prayer: Lord, in unexpected places, open my eyes to behold your glories. In whatever ways you choose, help me rush to a Bethlehem near me, proclaiming as I go the wonders you have displayed. Amen.

Watercolor image by Dave Peterson

sketched specifically for Lynn's book

Lynn L. Severance. "Seeking the Light of God's Comforter - When Challenges Dim Our View". 48. Let Light Dispel the Darkness.  Redemption Press.