As winter finally settles into New England, the days are short and the nights are long. The long periods of darkness can affect our moods and attitudes. There is some relief as houses are now decorated for Christmas. We often drive a few extra blocks to look are the Christmas decorations. We enjoy the common in Burlington where the trees are strung with multicolored lights and Massachusetts Avenue in Arlington where the trees are aglow in white lights. It lifts our spirits to see how beautiful the lights are.

The darkness can be fearful because we can't see well. We don't know what is out in the darkness. That not knowing makes us nervous. Most often there is nothing to be afraid of, but still we are uneasy in the dark. We need to remember that light dispels darkness.

Psalm 27:1 reminds of of who our light is:

The Lord is my light and my salvation;
whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life;
of whom shall I be afraid?

As a small child, my mother often worked around the house late into the night. I remember being afraid in the darkness after being put to bed. Then I would hear her moving around the house, often singing "In the Garden" or some other hymn. And I was able to relax knowing that she was nearby to provide love and protection. That's how it is with our Lord, who is always nearby to hold us close and comfort us.

How wonderful that God chose to come to earth and dwell among us. How great is his love that he gave up his throne in glory to come to earth as the babe of Bethlehem. He is our light and our salvation!