December 5: A Light in the Dark Season

It’s dark when you leave for work and dark when you come home. Some days the darkness gets inside you too.

December brings the shortest days of the year in much of the country. Less sunlight. Colder weather. More time indoors. For many people, mood follows the light. They feel heavier, slower, more down. For people in recovery, that heaviness can stir up old longings for something to lift the gloom.

If you’re feeling that, you’re not imagining it. And you’re not alone.

Isaiah wrote these words to a people in a dark time. Invasion, loss, fear. And he gave them a promise. The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. Those who lived in the land of the shadow of death, on them the light has shined. Christians have long read this as pointing to Jesus. A child would be born who would bring light into the darkest places.

That’s what Advent is about. Waiting for the light. Remembering that God doesn’t wait for things to be bright before He shows up. He comes into the dark. That’s where He’s needed most.

Many people in recovery know what it’s like to walk in darkness. The drinking years were dark. Some of the early sober days were dark too. And then light came. Maybe slowly. Maybe all at once. Through a meeting, a person, a prayer, a church. That light is the message of Step Twelve. You’ve seen it. Now you can point others toward it.

Practically, take the dark season seriously. Get outside during daylight when you can. Keep a routine. Stay connected to people. Go to meetings. If the heaviness is deep and lasting, talk to a doctor. There’s no shame in it.

And look for someone else in the dark. A newcomer at a meeting. A neighbor alone for the holidays. A friend who’s quieter than usual. You don’t have to fix their darkness. Just bring a little light. A call. A visit. A word of hope.

One thing today

Spend at least fifteen minutes outside in daylight today. While you’re out, pray for one person you know who’s in a dark season, and reach out to them before the day ends.

A prayer

Lord, the days are dark, and sometimes I am too. Thank You for coming into the darkness. Shine on me this Advent, and help me carry Your light to someone who needs it. Amen.

Carrying light to others is Step Twelve.

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