A Light Shines in the Dark

I watched my single white candle flickering and pondered on my devotional reading earlier in the day as I let my mind meander. That single light in the darkest of nights was so bright it lead the way to Bethlehem where the tender babe would be born. A light as a promise to shepherds who watched their flocks by night. A light that led the Three Kings on their long journey to the infant King. One light shines in the darkest of nights and brings hope to the world.  This Christmas that light reminds me of how close Emmanuel   "God with us" is in our darkest nights.
We have been singing "Joyful is the dark" each advent Sunday at church. I re-visited this song today and these verses moved me.
"Joyful is the dark holy, hidden God, rolling cloud of night beyond all naming, majesty in darkness, energy of love. Word in flesh the mystery proclaiming."
"Joyful is the dark shadowed stable floor, angels flicker God on earth confessing. As with exultation  Mary giving birth, hails the infant cry of need and blessing." (Brian Wren text, music Philip K. Clemens)
Whatever your darkness may the light of our glorious King shine brightly giving you hope this season.