Light That Keeps the Dark Away

Back in 2015 I wrote a blog entitled, Light or Darkness, and that both find their way into our lives. Since that time I have noted the numerous times that light and/or darkness are mentioned—whether in songs, in writings or in speeches.  Probably the more well-known song about this was written by Leonard Cohen as he stated, “There is a crack in everything, that’s how the light gets in.”

Recently I was reminded of this light vs. darkness tension. Many in the world celebrated Holocaust Remembrance Day during January. We were reminded of the horrible atrocities committed during WW II by the Nazis. One wonders how so much darkness could prevail in the world. Prince Charles, who is patron of Holocaust Memorial Day Trust, in a tribute speech stated: “We can be the light that ensures the darkness can never return… This is our time when we can, each in our own way, be the light that ensures the darkness can never return.”

Some of us have very faint recollections of WW II. Many were not even born at that time. Does this mean that we can forget all about the horrors of that time? Most certainly not! Somehow, the atrocities against fellow humans continues day after day. Those of us in the comfortable North American scene often only read about atrocities; we are affected very little. However, as we reflect on the recent happening in Washington, DC, we must admit that peace and freedom are very fragile. How little it would take for us to be wrapped up in darkness and tossed aside. All this because we did not allow the crack to let in the light.

If we are the ones to insure that the darkness never returns (although it seems to be close at hand), then we must walk in the light of peace and love. Martin Luther King, Jr. declared that “Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.”

Darkness is bombarding us from all sides. We can be the light that ensures the darkness never returns. The hatred shown so frequently in many places needs the love which we demonstrate, to drive out this hate.

We are reminded that “perfect love casts our fear” (see I John 4:18). As we continually show love and compassion we can be the light that takes away the darkness. Let us always strive to show that love which projects light.

I want to end this short treatise with some words from The Hill We Climb, the now well-recognized words written and spoken by Amanda Gorman

“When day comes we will step out of the shade,

Aflame and unafraid

The new dawn blooms as we free it

For there is always light,

If only we’re brave enough to see it

If only we’re brave enough to be it”