It’s only four o’clock in the afternoon and already the sun is set in this chilly Finnish village.  People have retreated indoors and circled like pioneers on a prairie around whatever light they can find.  “Tonight,” (though its really only late afternoon), is the second time I’ve seen it in a month.  The first was in Jamaica when hurricane Nicole took out the electricity and people fought through driving rain to gather around the glowing comfort of candles and companionship.

Light assures us.  It gives substance to our existence, definition to our world, and faces to our friends.  But not everyone loves it.   The Apostle John, who rested his head on the chest of the One who IS light, explained that “Light has come into the world.  But men loved darkness because their deeds were evil.” (John 3:19)

I mourn today for the multitudes who choose the darkness even in the presence of Light and Truth.  You can tell the dark-souled ones by the fingers in the ears, the judgments they hurl, and the opinions so defiant and bold.  These are the night people, the Pharisees and self-righteous who invent their own “light,” or the elder brothers who pout in the darkness, slander the singing and judge the joy.

As for me, I choose the Light who has stepped into our darkness.  I hunger for the Truth who frees and refreshes along the way.  I cheer in the glow of graceful companions, and wait patiently for my night-friends, (you know who you are), to peek through the door.  Come in, my brothers.  There’s a place in this circle for you.