There is darkness. There is light. And there is a world of difference between them!

While vacationing in Florida several years ago, I watched a night time rocket launch. We gathered with a large crowd at the ocean’s edge on Cocoa Beach just south of the Kennedy Space Center. Too far away to actually see the launch pad, we just kept staring in the general direction of north waiting for something to happen. 

Large speakers had been brought in so that the launch control dialogue could be heard, including the iconic countdown. 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, ignition, 3, 2, 1… Liftoff! 

That night a communication satellite was being carried into orbit. The rocket was much smaller than those used for the famous Apollo missions to the moon or the dozens and dozens of space shuttle launches after that. Yet what I witnessed that night was absolutely amazing!

Despite being miles away, just a few seconds after the launch the sky was suddenly filled with abundant radiant light. It was so bright that the night literally became as light as day! This lasted for over a minute. I’d never seen anything quite so spectacular!

“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light. On those living in a pitch-dark land, light has dawned… A child is born to us, a son is given to us… He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:2, 6 CEB)

Christ is your light! And the light of Christ abundantly floods the valley of your darkness with God’s power, strength, and hope… no matter wherever or whatever that darkness is! My prayer is that you will see, receive, and put your faith in the light that is Jesus Christ!

Your partner on the journey, 

Pastor Steve