Light and dark

There can be an impact on our mood if we don’t have enough exposure to natural light. The condition is called ‘Seasonal Affective Disorder’ (SAD) and as you can guess from the acronym, not enough light can make us feel sad or depressed.

You can read more about the medical reasons for this at the Harvard Health site: https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/shining-a-light-on-winter-depression

I can personally empathise with this condition as I certainly notice a lift in mood on a nice sunny day, as opposed to a cloudy, grey day. I guess that’s why we sometimes hear on the weather forecast that we’re facing ‘gloomy skies’.

In John 8:12 Jesus said, “…I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (NIV)

In this passage, Jesus was pointing forward to the day when His Father (God), would send Him back to the earth with the power and authority to remove darkness. Not just gloomy skies, but everything that we might refer to as ‘dark times’.

For example, we think about what’s going on in Ukraine at the moment and all the people who are suffering as a result. Jesus is going to stop all wars, terrorism, injustice and corruption. In addition, He is going to remove all uncertainty, anxiety and depression. He will ensure everyone has a home and plenty to eat. Children will be loved and feel happy. Things like pollution and climate change will be gone. The list goes on.

But the final incredible change will be an end to growing old and dying. If you think about it, death is the ultimate darkness, and Jesus will eradicate this. When this is achieved, Jesus will hand over a repaired and rejuvenated earth to God.

“There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever.”  (Revelation 22:5, NIV)

The Bible is full of information about this exciting time, please have a look!