The Light That Brings Joy Even in the Darkest Nights - Your Nightly Prayer 

The Light That Brings Joy Even in the Darkest Nights
Your Nightly Prayer for Dec. 11, 2024
by Meg Bucher

TONIGHT’S SCRIPTURE

“Be joyful always.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:16

SOMETHING TO PONDER 

It’s hard to be joyful always when the sun disappears. That’s why I put my Christmas decorations out on November 1^st. Everything about Christmas is centered around joy and light, and in the long, dark winter days, I’ll take all the light I can get, even if it’s artificial. When the holidays pass by, I let the light linger until the days get longer, leaving wintery white lights weaved into our home wherever I can. Somehow, the dark mornings and nights, and even the dreary gray days, are a little brighter and more tolerable with the glimmer of light. 

Be joyful always is a phrase Paul wrote the Thessalonians, who were being mistreated and taunted for their new faith in Christ Jesus. It probably seemed dark, and Paul encouraged them to hold on tight to the light they had found in Christ Jesus. Light is our key to joy in dark days. Let’s face it: even in the long days of summer, the world is getting darker. But be joyful! We don’t have to be a part of it! Though we are living in the world, and it affects us, it doesn’t get to steal our light! We can continue to embrace the joy, hope, peace, and grace we have in Christ Jesus. No matter how dark it gets outside and in the world, we have a power living in us that is bigger and brighter. 

When Jesus came into the world, He didn’t show up as a military ruler as God’s people expected. When He shows up on the scene of our lives, He doesn’t flip everything upside down and lay all of our enemies out on their backs. He teaches us to pray for them! Why? Because of the joy of following Jesus’ way over the world. Joy isn’t the fleeting feeling of happiness the world tells us we need to survive. It’s the prayer for someone who hurt us. It’s forgiveness before an apology. Selflessly looking out for others, especially those who can’t defend themselves. We become representatives of His light, bringing joy to dark places and shining light on lives with His love. Be joyful; it is always the journey of our lives. 

YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER 

Father,
Thank You for joy! Thank You for Jesus! Father, we want to live our lives in a way that shines light on everyone we meet. Help us to embrace the joy we have in Jesus and to illuminate every space we occupy with His love. God, You didn’t promise us easy in this world, but You do guarantee us joy. Thank you.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.

THREE THINGS TO MEDITATE UPON 

1. Think about what you can do to brighten up the spaces in your home to remind you of the joy you have in Jesus. He is the light of the world, and we get to do life with Him! Let every light remind you!

2. Joy and happiness are not the same thing. Remember the joy you have in Jesus, despite whether or not this has been a particularly happy day or season.

3. The contrast of light and dark reminds us of life with and without Jesus. Pray for a fresh filling of the Spirit of God today, and embrace new life in Jesus. 

Photo Credit: Unsplash/Bobby Stevenson

Meg writes about everyday life within the love of Christ at megbucher.com. She is the author of “Friends with Everyone, Friendship within the Love of Christ,” “Surface, Unlocking the Gift of Sensitivity,” “Glory Up, The Everyday Pursuit of Praise,” “Home, Finding Our Identity in Christ,” and "Sent, Faith in Motion." Meg earned a Marketing/PR degree from Ashland University but stepped out of the business world to stay home and raise her two daughters …which led her to pursue her writing passion. A contributing writer for Salem Web Network since 2016, Meg is now thrilled to be a part of the editorial team at Salem Web Network. Meg loves being involved in her community and local church, leads Bible study, and serves as a youth leader for teen girls.

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