The Word gave life to everything that was created,
    and his life brought light to everyone.
The light shines in the darkness,
    and the darkness can never extinguish it.
–John 1:4-5 NLT

I don’t mean to be controversial, but what is your rule about when to begin listening to Christmas music and putting up holiday decorations? I have a strict, self-imposed rule of not decorating for Christmas until after Thanksgiving, which I have followed for as long as I can remember—until this year. Sunset is creeping closer and closer to 4:00 pm in my neck of the woods, and I just can’t stand the dark anymore. Friend, two whole weeks before Thanksgiving, I caved; I put up some twinkle lights around the windows in the living room and bedroom, and set out a few candles here and there. The extra light makes our home feel more welcoming and comforting in the dark mornings and evenings. I have no regrets!

One of my favorite candles is a mercury glass votive that casts a starburst pattern on the table. I tend to light it first thing in the morning, and seeing that starburst of light extinguish the dark around it never ceases to give me a small jolt of joy. Works every time: darkness can never overcome light, no matter how small.

Each Sunday before partaking of the elements of communion, our pastor holds up the bread and says, “On the night He was betrayed, Jesus took the bread, gave thanks, and broke it …,” and another small jolt stirs within me, but this time it isn’t joy. Those terms “betrayed” and “gave thanks” clash in my mind. The monumental darkness of the evening and the small act of pausing to give thanks for bread create a profound contrast that always grabs my attention.

I wonder how many of us are preparing for Thanksgiving in the midst of a dark personal season? The civic calendar pays no mind to our personal affairs, and in a way, that’s a gift. But it can also make holidays difficult as we try to live with the contrast between the expectations of the holidays and the realities of our actual lives. My prayer is that each person reading this won’t be tempted to “fake it ’til you make it”—feeling that you have to act thankful for everything and ignore anything that feels too hard, too painful, or too wrong to be grateful for, as if somehow that’s what Jesus wants. What I pray for you is this: that while you count your blessings, you also pay attention to what you’re not counting. I’m sure we could all name a few things. The first list can come with you to the Thanksgiving table, to your social media feed, or wherever you want to share it. Praise be to God! The second list, the things you wish in your heart were different, that is for you and Jesus to discuss.

Recently, a soul friend told me, “He only brings up what He wants to heal.” And so I encourage you to take time to speak with Him about whatever comes up for you. He is the Light, and He will bring light to those dark places. Offer it to Him with open hands and open heart and see what He does in His good time. It is not something we can make happen. It is a gift to receive. It is a small spark of hope in a dark world, like that small candle in a dark room.

Lord, help us to take time during this busy season to sit with You, to listen for You. Help us to be patient and yet wait with expectation, trusting that You will show up in Your perfect time, as the Light in the darkness. Thank You for the many gifts You have given us, and thank You for understanding what it feels like to experience deep sadness as well. Your companionship is a beautiful gift; may we receive it with thanksgiving.

In Him,
Jayna Venturini

Sweet Selah Ministries

Vision
To inspire a movement away from the belief that “busy is better”
and toward the truth of God’s Word that stillness and knowing
Him matter most—and will be reflected in more effective work and service

Mission
To offer biblical resources and retreats that help women pause (Selah)
and love God more deeply as they know Him more intimately (Sweet)

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