I will exalt you, O Lord, for you lifted me out of the depths. Psalm 30:1 NIV
 
The dawn from on high will give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace. Luke 1:78-79
 
Light gives all of us a lift, even when life is challenging. The light of hope in knowing that we have eternal life in our futures brings a lift even when we face death from our earthly life. I think of Paul in his ability to give thanks and praise to God even as he sat in prison facing an uncertain future.
 
The theme of the book of Philippians is joy. Paul wrote Philippians while he was a prisoner. The introduction to Philippians states that the word "joy" in its various forms appears sixteen times. How could this be when Paul suffered as many others suffer when imprisoned? Paul had the light of Christ throughout his being to exalt Christ no matter his present circumstances. His writings continue to give Christians hope even as they have throughout the ages.
 
When we dwell on what is going well in our lives and in all that surrounds us, we develop a sense of gratitude. When we practice this without ceasing gratitude begins to flow throughout all of life bringing light where there was once darkness in our beings. Gratitude brings the ability to live in light guiding our lives to the way of peace. May God's peace be with you today and always.
 
Dear Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,
Thank you for your light which is warm and will not fade. Jesus, the true light of the world, reaches out to people everywhere and to each of us when depression and despair seek to overwhelm us. Thank you for allowing this to happen in out lives. Lord bring your light into lives everywhere and help us to reflect your light to others. Amen.
 
Florence Smallfield 
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