From Darkness to Light: A Story of Redemption

This week's blog post is a little different. I will be sharing an original poem, along with an audiovisual experience narrated by me. This poem was inspired by what Christ has done for us. For many, this week Christmas will be celebrated in many places all over the world. For believers, it is when we celebrate Christ coming to Earth as a baby. An infinite God, humbling Himself and coming in the form of a little baby. God gave us the greatest gift when He sent Jesus to take the punishment for our sins so we could know Him and be with Him for all eternity.

It's funny that this poem came while I was doing my daily Advent reading. It came so clearly, the words flowing before I could finish that day's devotional. I was like, okay, God, let me grab a pen. Once written, the imagery was so powerful that I knew it needed something more. At the bottom of this post is a video created to bring this poem's truths to life. As this was something I had never really done before, it took some research and a lot of trial and error. My prayer is that the truth of God's love and what He did for you takes on a whole new meaning this Christmas. You are loved by the Creator of all things. He knew you before you were formed in your mother's womb. He loves you in your brokenness, and He sent His Son so you might find forgiveness, purpose, and grace in Him.

From Darkness to Light: A Story of Redemption

I was born in darkness

As I grew, the darkness remained

It was a darkness that was familiar

Sometimes I could feel it pressing in

The weight of it dragging me down

No light penetrated the darkness

Life was bleak, filled with shadows.

One day, I heard a baby cry

As I looked for the source, I saw it

A bright light far off in the distance

The heaviness of life soon stole my attention

Time passed, and then I heard a voice cry out

The earth shook, and lightning flashed

Then, there was silence

Three days later, the earth shook again

Then I saw it, a light on the horizon

It was bright and warm, slowly spreading

As it got closer, I saw the chains

They wrapped around me, weighing me down

How had I never seen them before?

Why was I bound?

As the light got closer, I was intrigued

Yet, fear began to pull at me

The light revealed what had never been seen

I was covered in filth, so unclean

In my shame, I tried to pull back from the light

It kept advancing, that’s when I saw Him

The light was a person, radiant and pure

He called my name. In His hand, He held a key

Two forces pulled at me

One longing to get closer, the other cowering in shame

This light annihilated the darkness

No shadows or places to hide

His voice called me gently

My heart began to tremble in awe and fear

He called for me to join Him

His voice was full of love and power

I stepped toward Him, desperate to be near

As I knelt before Him, His hand rested on my head

He reached down and unlocked the chains

What once held me bound, now lies at His feet

Once more, He called my name

Then, He began speaking directly to my heart

Words that washed over me

The filth covering me no more

His light advanced, its warmth reaching deep inside

Looking down, I was now dressed all in white

His bride, once condemned, is now free

Love for Him now consumes me.

-A Poem by Sarah Parks

"And the angel said to them, 'Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.' " - Luke 2:10-12

"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." - Isaiah 9:6

"The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth." - John 1:9-14

May the Lord bless you this Christmas, and may you come to understand who Christ is and the precious gift He has given to all those who believe.