A day of light in days of darkness

"Christmas Light" 5 x 7 watercolor card

“In Him was life, and that life  was the light of men. That light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not understood it.”--John 1: 4-5

Nothing much has changed in human nature since Jesus was born some 2,000 plus years ago. War, poverty, disease, racism, violence, bigotry, greed, the list goes on. 

 "Progress" in technology and science hasn't defeated that darkness inherent in the most dangerous species because it is only physical.

Ignoring His teachings of forgiveness, of love, of mercy, of hope, of inclusion, those who use organized religion for personal power,  profit and politics  (the spiritual offspring of the hypocritical Scribes and Pharisees who crucified him for those teachings 33 years later),  literally and blindly "take the Lord's name in vain."  John knew what he was talking about.

But His teachings still bring life and light and hope into the world for millions, struggling for survival just as his early followers struggled.

This day is testament to that life, light and hope, in spite of the darkness.

Thus today's painting.

When Darkness Closes In--5 days 'til Christmas

"If Winter comes," 5 x 7 watercolor Christmast Card

"If Winter comes, can Spring be far behind?"--Shelley

When darkness closes in, as it has throughout this year, and the shortest day of the year looms, we need more light and warmth, especially mentally and emotionally.

Light and warmth are vaccines for survival in such dark, isolated times--if we accept them. Look at the stars, at the Christmas decorations...enjoy the brief moments of interaction with polite, kind people.

Treasure each moment, each memory, knowing that after tomorrow and as the year ends and a new one begins,  after medical vaccines and political changes, the light and warmth of sunshine begins to return, even if slowly.

Three days til Christmas - light in darkness

Light in darkness, 5 by 7 watercolor

Three days til Christmas.
The day after solstice, a few seconds more light as winter officially arrives, but holding the promise of warmth and life.
Light becomes more precious as darkness descends--on a room, a nation, a world, a life. When a living creature dies, the light goes out of their eyes--as it does with a nation, a world.
Light--the  hope of life amid death and despair and destruction.
That's why humans have always wondered and worshipped stars, and the moon, and the rising sun.
Would that all those who worship at Christmas would bring light into this darkening world.
Was that not his wish--the man whose birthday is celebrated in three days--trying to bring peace, and mercy, and forgiveness--not the darkness of division and judgment and violence and hatred?

“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me

will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."