Lent in the Darkness

@audreycfrank

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. (John 1:5)

Walking in the dark night of Africa is risky. The black mamba, one of the world’s deadliest snakes, can completely camouflage himself within the inky darkness. He is one of the few snakes who are active at night and has a particular love for wood or metal that has absorbed the heat of the day. 

We encountered the black mamba only once, coiled around the grating on our screen door. After a long night of good conversation and milky hot chai by lantern light, we saw our guests to the door. As my husband reached out his hand to open it the darkness moved, alerting us to the killer’s poisonous presence.

Although the village had been silent for hours, deep in slumber, our shouts brought men, women, and children running from every direction as the men killed the snake. Some praised God, others suspected a witch doctor had taken the form of a snake and positioned himself on the door of the Jesus followers. What we knew was that even a small amount of light was enough to reveal the danger in the darkness and overcome it.

Despite the dangers, we took many walks in the dark during those Africa years. We marched through the tall swishing grass, past corn stalks blowing in the wind like polite courtiers, the light from the moon dancing around us in silver shadows. Darkness tried in vain to envelop our path but the light was too great. The ancient orb and his host of shining stars shimmered in the African night sky like the notes of a symphony reaching crescendo. Light was on display in the darkness, and the darkness could not overcome it.

I wish with my words I could take you there with me to those nights so long ago. I wish you could feel your breath catch just below your collarbone as you watch the display of God’s truth revealed in his creation on the African plains. I wish your heart would vibrate in your chest as joy rises up at the sound of a thousand frogs greeting the recent rains with songs of praise in the night. I wish peace could fill you like a crazy flood despite the presence of danger, knowing that the darkness can never overcome the light.

Words, beautiful, limited words, will have to do.

All around us, the earth displays spiritual #truth. The darkness cannot stop the light. #Lent #Hope Share on X

400 long years passed between the Old Testament prophecies of a Messiah and the coming of the Light of the World. When the captive Israelites hung their harps on the willows by the waters of Babylon and wept remembering Zion, the darkness seemed victorious. But hope rose in a song and its light raced down the twisting corridors of the ages and shone upon a humble stable in Bethlehem.

The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God. John 1:9-12

Like the sun that will indeed rise upon you today and tomorrow, the Light of God comes. He chases away our darkness and reveals what is hidden. Where his light touches, life bursts forth and the fragrance of hope rises, changing the dank atmosphere, refreshing our souls.

Sometimes the night is long, and we wonder if the light has been destroyed. 

Belief is our light in the long, dark night. As we believe, we become children of God.

If you are in a long night, dear one, let this small offering bring a flame of hope to your heart today. Even a candle flame can chase away the darkness. Even the small light of a kerosene lantern is enough to glimpse the danger in the darkness and destroy it.

Jesus brings light to everyone without exception. You are not his exception, no matter what lies you have come to believe about your worth. The Messiah has come to light your darkness. Have you received him? Have you believed him? When you do, he gives you the right to become a child of God. 

Then you yourself will become a light.

Lord, overcome my darkness and make me a light. Amen.