In the past couple of weeks we have experienced a number of power outages at our house. Some have lasted for a few minutes, others for some considerable time. When they occur we really understand the reliance we have on electricity. But more than that, we also appreciate the value of light. As soon as the power goes, we scramble around for the torches, candles and matches (now left in convenient places so we don't stub our toes).

One of my favourite psalms is Psalm 27 which declares, "The Lord is my light and my salvation, the Lord is the strength of my life. Of whom shall I be afraid?"

Just as we need light in the physical world to navigate and negotiate in our every day activities, so too do we need light in our spiritual, emotional and relational worlds. Without it we stumble blindly, doing ourselves and others, harm.

Light, was the first of God's creation recorded in the book of Genesis. Darkness covered the earth and God said "Let there be light". We only have to sit and watch our television sets (if the power is working) to see how much darkness still covers the earth. Greed, violence, abuse, corruption are all national manifestations of darkness. Yet these are often symptomatic of the experiences of individuals facing loneliness, isolation, stress, disappointment and fear.

Jesus said: I am the Light of the World. Whoever walks with me will never walk in darkness because I am the light of life" (John 8:12). Having light does not necessarily mean that we are not confronted with difficult situations. What it does mean however, is that we have light to recognise the situation and to respond accordingly. May I encourage you and your family to allow the light of Christ to shine in your lives?