February 4

Sixth Day after Christmas

Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth Me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. S. John 8:12.

O THEN, if we have been sometimes darkness, seek we now to be light in the Lord, a light which shall guide our feet into the way of peace. In that light we could not endure any remaining darkness in ourselves. One spot of this world's darkness would mar the beauty and glory of heaven. Seek we, then, out this night, if as yet we have not, by the light of His Word and His own enlightening Spirit, some dark spot, some corner of our heart, that it may receive His light. Let us not in anything be of those who "hate the light, and come not into the light, lest their deeds should be reproved." Shrink we not back from any pain it may cost us to admit that "burning and shining light" into our hearts, sore as it may be to see our own darkness, which may be felt, our own vileness, and filthiness, and deformity, and how in that light our very light becomes darkness.

Christ, Whose glory fills the skies, Christ, the true, the only Light, Sun of Righteousness, arise, Triumph o'er the shades of night; Dayspring from on high, be near; Day-star, in my heart appear.

Visit then this soul of mine; Pierce the gloom of sin and grief; Fill me, Radiancy Divine; Scatter all my unbelief; More and more Thyself display, Shining to the perfect day.