As the nights draw in and the natural darkness of winter sets in you can be forgiven for wanting to retreat under the cosiness of a warm blanket ready to hunker down.

The idea of braving the elements, enduring the unpredictable weather and generally being inconvenienced by the adoption of multiple layers is honestly the last thing I want to do some days. Maybe you know that feeling too? The working day is done, kids all back from school, dusk settles and all you want to do is hide.

As I was joking to a friend about the imminent need to hibernate I was promptly challenged by the Holy Spirit. Often in the most unlikely places too. Ever find that?

God’s always speaking

I was scrolling through social media and found myself lingering on a new sports clothing website. And as with these pesky algorithms I seemed to keep being shown these products every time I found myself with a few minutes to browse. The brand specialises in producing reflective clothing for runners and cyclists. Perfect for this time of year when there don’t seem to be enough hours of daylight to complete all the necessary tasks. Stay with me here before you worry I’m about to launch into a sales pitch!

What jumped out at me was the words on some of the clothing. Phrases like ‘made to shine’ and ‘defy the darkness’ pressed on my heart. I was being challenged by these messages. A company that, to my knowledge, has no faith foundation was making bold declarations about the power of light. Clearly it’s a very clever marketing angle but it caused me to think twice. If these generic statements appeal to all then shouldn’t we be even more powerful when stepping out into the darkness? You have the Light of the World living within you. You are privileged to know the Source of Light personally.

You have the Light of the World living within you

Get Ready

Of course there may be some days when snuggling up with a hot water bottle and enjoying a cup of warm cocoa is needed. But in this season more than any other, with fear, confusion and so much uncertainty rising, we have a responsibility. It’s time to LIGHT UP THE NIGHT. To take hope to the hurting. To radiate joy to those lost in darkness. To speak life to the lost and lonely.

Sadly, it mustn’t be hard to think about those who need some light in their lives. Whatever it looks like and regardless of whether you can change the specifics you have been called to be like Jesus, who said of Himself “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free,” - Luke 4:18 NLT.

Born to Shine - Defy the Darkness - Light up the Night

If these inspirational phrases are powerful in and of themselves, giving confidence to runners braving the dark nights, imagine just how much more powerful they are when the one making the declaration knows the power living within them. Not just cliche captions but life bringing, life changing delcations.

Now’s the time

So if you’re tempted to hide away, to remove yourself from engagement, to dim your glow take this as a gentle nudge to remember that you also have the Spirit on you. He will stoke that fire, He will fan the flame. Light and life to all He brings (heard that somewhere before?!) And God chose us. He chooses YOU to help bring His light and life to those around you. Don’t go covering up your light. It’s time to defy the darkness, lovely one. You were made to shine. Are you ready to LIGHT UP THE NIGHT?

Are you ready to LIGHT UP THE NIGHT?

That friend who is withdrawn, book in a cuppa and a catch up. The neighbour who rarely goes out, drop off a yummy bake for them to enjoy. The frazzled co-worker, pay them a compliment. That mum juggling everything life throws her way, offer an encouragement - a reminder that she is seen and known.

You are a beacon shining bright. Time to Light up the Night.