December – “The darkness cannot overcome The Light.”

The temperature is dropping, the light is fading, and for many of us our spirits are too.  It’s not easy living in the subarctic (or Arctic, for some of you) in December.

Cold doesn’t help our pains for the most part, and whether we recognize or admit it, seasonal affective disorder – which affects at least 10% of us – doesn’t either.

Add holiday stress, and too often the pain of losses or other terrible memories and it’s no wonder this can be the absolute worst time of year for many people.

Thank God for Christmas, and everything it means.  Roughly 2700 years ago, a Jewish prophet wrote the following about a Man named Immanuel Who would be born 700 years later:

The people who walked in darkness
have seen a great light.
They lived in a land of shadows,
but now light is shining on them.
You have given them great joy, Lord;
you have made them happy.
They rejoice in what you have done… 

For you have broken the yoke that burdened them
and the rod that beat their shoulders.

A Child is born to us!
A Son is given to us!
And He will be our ruler.
He will be called, “Wonderful Counselor,”
“Mighty God,” “Eternal Father,”
“Prince of Peace.”
His royal power will continue to grow;
His kingdom will always be at peace.
He will rule as King David’s successor,
basing His power on right and justice,
from now until the end of time.
The Lord Almighty is determined to do all this.

Merry Christmas from NAPM, Alaska!