Friends,

     It’s hard to believe that November is upon us.  The beauty of autumn has come and gone.  And now we begin to prepare for our long winter naps.
     Have you noticed that the days are getting shorter? As we make the move to Standard Time, we’ll begin to experience darkness - the end of the day - much earlier than we’ve gotten used to.
     Isaiah 60:1 says, “Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.” Praise God! That’s just what I needed to hear!
     We’re reminded that WE are the light in the darkness. And when our light grows dim, God himself will brighten our days. Do you believe that?
     Has your light ever grown dim? Mine surely has. There are times when we feel like our candle is burning on both ends, and that there’s not much left of the candle. There are times when we feel as if we’re walking through a thick darkness, caused by situations well beyond our control.
     Yes, there are times when the darkness seems overwhelming, and that our light has dimmed. So we need to remember who has power over the darkness, and who can ‘recharge us’ so that our light can shine brightly again.
     Listen -- don’t get wrapped up in the Holiday Season hustle-and-bustle to the point that you find yourself digging deeper into a hole. Arise, shine! Your light has come! Let this Holiday Season bring new light to you and your family. Thanksgiving - Christmas - New Years -- don’t go through them the same way again. Open your eyes to the light that’s being shined on you this year. And then go forth and shine the Light of Christ into all the dark places. Don’t worry - it cannot be overcome...”the glory of the Lord has risen upon you!”
     Marcia and I wish you a bright beginning to the Holiday Season,

Pastor Jon West