Daily Bread Jan. 30

Better Than Light
By Vera Entwistle, World Service Corps, Taipei, Taiwan


Depart from evil, and do good;
   so you shall abide forever.
For the LORD loves justice;
   he will not forsake his faithful ones. —Psalm 37:27–28 NRSV

As a child growing up in England, New Year’s Eve was always an exciting time. My parents invited many guests to our home for dinner, followed by a sing-a-long around the piano. At midnight, the tallest man was sent out by the back door of our home. He walked around to the front door where he waited for the local church bells to chime in the New Year, and then he knocked loudly. My mother and dad would open the door and would shout, “Happy New Year!”

After we had all greeted each other with hugs and kisses, my dad would recite this poem:

I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year:
“Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown.”
And he replied:
“Go out into the darkness and put your hand into the Hand of God.
That shall be to you better than light and safer than a known way.”

It was many years later that I learned of the significance of this poem which had been shared by King George in 1939 in a speech to the Empire during the Second World War. I learned that my dad had carried this poem in his wallet throughout his 13 years of army service.

In today’s world where it seems there is always war somewhere, the poem still resonates with me.

My New Year’s resolution is to be sure to hold on to the hand of God a little tighter, knowing that God is my security.

Prayer Phrase

May I see your light in all life.

Invitation to Spiritual Practice

Light of God

Close your eyes, and become centered with your breath. As you breathe gently in and out, reflect on the statement, “The light of God is in all things.” The light has a bright, soft beauty and radiates God’s healing love. The light of God reaches you and permeates you with a deep sense of peace. Rest in the light as it surrounds and fills you. Thank God that you live in God’s light, and it lives in you.

Today’s Prayer for Peace

Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.

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