Turn the porch lights on

I wish I could count the times the lights have been left on so I could find my way home. One of the most incredible comforts as a teenager was knowing that the front porch light was always left on until the arrival of the final Friday night adventurer. This tradition is carried out throughout the world. A famous hotel chain even used the tradition as a slogan: “We’ll leave the light on for you.”
We are built for light. Our bodies feel more awake in the morning when sunlight floods the room; sunlight helps to wake us up, giving us the energy and clarity needed to face the day. When the low lights of the evening come, we naturally prepare for sleep. Throughout the winter months, when the world casts dreary shadows, we experience feelings of loneliness and depression. As the brighter days of spring and summer return, our spirits are lifted with renewed optimism. Simply said, being in the light can lift our spirits and help us feel at peace.
Just as light brightens the world, God’s presence brings light into our lives. His light changes us, pushing back the darkness and showing us a new way forward. When God began creation, His first act was to create light. When He saw the light, He recognized its goodness and separated it from the darkness (Genesis 1:3). From the very beginning of time, God turned the lights on for us, offering clarity and warmth. As God separated the light from the darkness, He revealed a pathway to His presence.
The scripture speaks of the light of God’s presence as being good and transformative. Our Father is a guiding light that brings us to salvation. Because of His presence, our lives are filled with hope. His light leads us through the darkness, removing our anxiety as it illuminates our spirit with His wisdom and peace. With the light of our Lord, we have nothing to fear (Psalm 27:1).
Yet, with all the positive things we can say about the Father’s light, there was a moment when the lights were turned off. Darkness fell heavily on the earth from noon until three in the afternoon. The shadowy blackness enveloped Jesus as the weight of our sin covered Him. In utter despair, Jesus cried, “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?” as the Father turned His face away, the light was extinguished. God’s Son was left alone in the darkness (Matthew 27:45-49).
The One who had always been in perfect communion with His Father was alone. At Calvary, Jesus bore the weight of the world’s sins. It was during this sacrifice that the Heavenly Father withdrew His presence. Jesus carried humanity’s darkness so we could enter into the light of salvation.
Our Heavenly Father is present with us in the darkest moments of our lives. God will shine His light, transform our pain, and guide us home. Just like how we always knew the porch light was left on to welcome us home, God’s light through Jesus lights the way for us, no matter how dark things get. Through faith, Jesus becomes our beacon of hope. As His light leads us home, we are called to become beacons of hope in a world of darkness. By reflecting His love and grace, we can lead others into the light of God’s presence. “The question becomes, Are we willing to turn on the light of salvation that leads the way to His Kingdom?”
Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you. Isaiah 60:1

Cheryl Mixon-Cruce is Pastor of Ochlockonee Bay United Methodist Church and Sopchoppy United Methodist Church.