His Light Shines in the Darkness

John 1:4-5
In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

I like that extra hour of sleep when we fall back.

In the fall, I look forward to change. I love the way the trees show off their red, orange, and yellow leaves. In Ohio we have a lot of maple trees. They glow a golden yellow, and this year they have waved their dressy branches in the most spectacular way. The cooler weather reminds me winter peeks around the corner. Yes, I'm one who enjoys snow and bundling up or cozying in for the colder months. Many folks may disagree with me, but I like when the clocks fall back, and the hour of sleep I lost in the spring is restored. The morning light wakes me, and in the evening, I can huddle in our cozy home.

I've written about hygge before; the act of creating a comfortable and inviting environment inside when the weather or time change gives us darkness early. Part of the hygge experience is lighting candles, turning on lights to brighten the darkness, and cuddling in a warm blanket.

When God created the earth, He made day and night—darkness and light. As a believer, I experience a light, unlike the sun or a lamp. I don't welcome the darkness of the world, a shadow of sin which Satan brings with him. When that darkness falls, I cling to the light of Jesus. Psalm 119:105 says, "Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path." His word lights my way, and His light overcomes all darkness. Jesus is the hygge I want when the darkness of despair, worry, sin, or sorrow try to smother me. He is the light of the world. He alone brings peace and comfort in times of darkness. As the dark surrounds me, Jesus' light of love and grace illuminate my life.

Seek the light of Jesus.

Something I'll Never Outgrow

I've been a winter person for as long as I can remember.

I practiced hygge before I knew it was a thing.

Cozy sweaters, quilts, a fire in the fireplace 

(or in my case a recording of a fire on my TV)

are all things I adore in the winter.

So when the snow flies and the ground is immersed in white, I love it.

I'll never outgrow the delight I find in the twirling snowflakes of winter.

If you aren't a winter person, take heart--spring is just around the corner.

 

Finding my Hygge in Jesus

Psalm 62:1-2

Truly my soul finds rest in God;
    my salvation comes from him.
Truly he is my rock and my salvation;
    he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.

I enjoy winter.

While people around me dread the cold and gray, I snuggle in for a time of coziness. I understand the person who needs to drive in bad weather not liking winter. I know the grayness of Ohio Valley winters can cause depression. Yet, I embrace January and February as if they arrived just for me.

Tucking in for winter. photo by Penny Frost McGinnis

 I've been reading about the Danish practice of hygge (pronounced hoo-guh.) Because they are short on daylight and long on winter, the country of Denmark has embraced creating a cozy atmosphere within their homes. Hygge isn't something you can buy. Family and friends snuggle in with candles, fireplaces, good books, blankets, hot tea, coffee and comfort food. 

Simple things in life. Sounds good to me.

Evidently, I've been practicing hygge for years without realizing it. As I write, my (fake TV) fireplace crackles and my gingerbread candle burns. Blankets cover the chairs and my Christmas tree still twinkles.

Even as I practice hygge in my home, and enjoy the tucked in feeling, how do I create that well being in my heart. Finding the joy, hope, and peace I need come from Jesus' love for me. He's my rock, the one who offers comfort when my heart hurts. He's the one who embraces me and cares for me when sadness fills my day. Jesus draws me in to a place of rest. He throws away fear and replaces doubt with trust.

In Jesus, I find respite from the weariness of life. As much as I love the holidays, they wear me out and throw me a bit off track. January gives me time to renew my spirit. To snuggle in and walk my path with God, once again.

Take the time to reconnect with Jesus. Put on your slippers, sit by the fire, sip your coffee, dust off the Bible, read the word's of Jesus and pray.