In The Fellowship of the Ring,[J.R.R. Tolkien, 1954] the elven “Lady of Light” Galadriel presents Frodo with a crystal phial containing the light of Eärendil’s star. “It will shine brighter when night is about you,” she promises; and sure enough, over the course of their quest, Frodo and Sam use the light on a number of occasions to avoid harm.
The Phial of Galadriel wasn’t only a lamp to light their physical way, but it could also infuse courage and hope into the bearer. Such a gift would come in handy for sure on our own journey through life, but even the light of Eärendil was occasionally subdued in a hostile environment. This issue of Activated is about an even more potent light that nothing is able to dim.
Speaking of Himself, Jesus said, “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it. I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”[John 1:5 NLT; John 8:12]
God’s light has the power to soften the sting of wounds and heal the loneliness and sickness of our souls. In the furrows of despair, it can plant the seeds of hope and enlighten the deepest valleys of sorrow. It can illuminate the path and lead us through the darkest night into a new dawn.
Even though we encounter difficulties and hardships along our way, even though it sometimes feels like the darkness of fear, worry, or doubt is closing in, we can trust that God’s light and love will always be with us. “God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.”[Psalm 46:1 NLT] “He won’t let you down, and he won’t abandon you.”[Deuteronomy 31:6 CEB]
May He be a light to you in dark places, when all other lights go out.