As I ran this morning, I was trying to figure out why I love that time of day so much, the in-between of night and day. The last few days, I’ve seen the most brilliant shooting stars, leaving an impression of light against the black sky long after they’ve burned through atmosphere. I’m drawn to the light, to lights: those in the sky, those in the colorful glow of Christmas, those in the hearts of others and most especially that Christ-light held out to me when I most need it.

The light reminds me to focus on what is joy, love, and hope. This day in particular, is difficult as I remember my sister, Cathy, who would have been 51 today, and yet my true love shares this birth day with her and I rejoice in him. We cannot let darkness consume us, and I choose to believe in the light, the mercy and love of God who called each of us into being and formed us to be His light here on Earth. We fall so short so many times, but there are those small moments, glimpses of holy, that bring hope to others and to ourselves.

So, as I breathe in the glow of our Christmas lights and smile at the memory of each ornament on our tree, I have faith in the Lord, the Master of the Universe. I do not understand the violence, murder, and hate, but I believe in the light of Christ and I see it in so many little ways weaving love and healing into our lives.