Joy Cometh in the Morning

I've been thinking a lot lately about light; I don't know if everyone feels this way, but nothing is more refreshing to me than to know that winter solstice has passed and each day brings the promise of more daylight to the northern hemisphere. It's very appropriate that Hanukkah--a celebration of light--straddled the solstice this year. Further, I think it's very interesting that Christmas falls near the birth of increased light--even if I don't believe Christ was actually born on December 25th, the symbolism is beautiful and fitting. What better way to think of and know Christ than as the light of the world--the purest light that shines into our lives and hearts?

About a week ago I was feeling very blue--what about is not important, but the feeling was potent. Sadness is something that absolutely everyone can relate to; I know I'm not alone in shedding tears and hurting now and then. But after crying it out and talking to a good friend late one night, I finally decided to just go to sleep and let it all rest. The next morning as the sun shone through my window for the first time in days, I felt wonderful--almost as if nothing had happened to make me sad, and one of my favorite scriptures came to mind: "weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning" (Psalms 30:5).


The way that light plays on our emotions is not something that I fully understand--however, I do believe the influence is real and valid. So here's to light and brighter days: and may light always be a reminder that even the darkest day of the year is really a promise of good things to come.