“[God] can handle my darkness.
It isn’t even dark to Him.
He can see the whole picture, which we cannot.
He can see His good purposes, which we are not always privy to.”
I know the timing of my reading Light of the World, by Candace Crabtree, wasn’t an accident.
It’s no secret that I struggle at this time of year. The long summer days become long chilly nights, and for some reason life just seems to take on an overcast sort of feeling for me.
Can I just tell you that this book was like a beacon of light piercing the darkness that was starting to shroud my mind? It’s an encouraging account of the power of the Light, our identity in it, and our access to it.
The subtitle, “Praying the Scriptures Through Advent,” lends more insight into the book’s purpose. It’s a 31-day devotional exploring light as it’s presented in the Bible in various ways.
Candace introduces the book by sharing her own tender testimony of the power of praying God’s Word during her time of depression. The book goes on to chronicle the significance of light through the Bible, starting with the creation of light, progressing through history with the pillar of fire guiding the Israelites in the wilderness, on to David’s writings about light in the Psalms, and his emphasis of the importance of God’s Word as light in our lives.
Candace says, “As believers, we have been given a tool with which we can secure more light in our lives, and that is the Word of God. His Word is a lamp for us: it lights our path, it illuminates our steps, it shows us God.”
She speaks about staying connected to the source of Light – Jesus Christ – through spending time in His Word and using it as our light. One of her main points of focus is our identity in Christ – our responsibility in bearing Christ’s light to others, unhindered by shame, guilt, or insecurity. Not because of who we are. But because of Whose we are.
Each day’s devotional includes a Scripture reading and often an inspirational quote, along with relevant thoughts about light and thoughtful points of application for the reader to consider. She concludes with a prayer based on the day’s Scripture, and provides space for you to record your own thoughts.
One of my favorite things about this book is actually the brevity of each day’s Bible reading and devotional. Not because I don’t like to spend much time with the Lord, but because I like to spend a lot of time pondering. I’ve learned through experience that slowing down and really pondering small chunks of Scripture is much more effective than gulping chapters at a time. This book is very conducive to a take-your-time-and-linger kind of quiet time.
If an oasis of quiet amidst the busy Christmas season appeals to you, Light of the World: Praying the Scriptures Through Advent will be an excellent resource to help you establish just that.