Johann and Louise VanderBijl, Missionaries to the Netherlands

We see the Light of the World…

 … in the regular certainty of sunrise and sunset. At this time of year, the nights are long, and the days are short, and darkness can appear to be never ending. Twinkling lights go up everywhere in an attempt to pierce through the gloom and to create a joyous atmosphere. But the darkness persists, slowly seeping into the psyche of many. Loneliness, anxiety, and depression are reaching epidemic proportions in so many European countries.

However, each morning, the sun does rise, and light does shine even though dimly. Spiritually it may seem as if darkness is never ending in North Holland Province. Wealth and prosperity have created a false sense of security, and the general sentiment is that we have matured beyond the need for any religious crutch. But as Augustine wrote in his Confessions: “There is no greater misery than false joy, and there is no greater joy than true light.” False “lights” can never compare with what the true conquering light of Christ brings.

So, this Christmas we pray that the Light of the World will shine through us and overcome the prevailing darkness as surely as the sun rises each and every morning.

Read more about Johann and Louise

.