December 26, 2025
It’s about time, I thought. This week’s prep took longer than I thought. It’s easy to lose track of time when work is on the line; but the clock read 5:05, and alas, my sermon was done.
‘Time to get moving,’ I said to myself. With my computer powered down and the lights turned off, I scampered downstairs, yelling, “Ya ready to go?”
“Yup,” she rejoined. “The boys were fed and have been outside.”
“Well, let’s go then! Friday night date has finally arrived.” But unbeknown to me, our region was socked-in with fog. I was so oblivious in my office, I hadn’t even noticed.
Dogs in kennels: check. Freezer bags filled: check. Car keys and wallet in pockets: check. The garage door went up, and behold: the clouds from above had come down and enveloped our town.
I didn’t ask tonight, as I often do. I just assumed she wanted me to drive. Safely buckled in, the ignition went on. The map on the console knew exactly where to go: Plaza Garibaldi was the number one stop, (or at least, it thought).
My wife and I are creatures of habit. Tonight’s “date night” was no different than most weeks. We finish our work and head out the door. And as if the Apple’s Ai knows us too well, it brings up the route to New Ulm’s busiest restaurant.
Two minutes later we headed north, and oh my gracious, the fog was so thick. Yet, without halogens, I’m not sure I would’ve ventured out. Wowzers! Those lights cut through the fog; and while they can’t displace the disorientation, they do a great job.
As I kept my eye on the road, a spiritual analogy moved through my mind: Christ is the light of God that cuts through the fog of life. And although the roads of life can sometimes be disorienting, with Christ shining out, we can safely go about our way.
Jesus said,
“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."
I’m thankful for Christ being the light of the world. Without him, we’d still be living in total darkness and eternally lost. Analogously, I’m also thankful for Halogen lights, for they too cut through the fog (and the darkness) and help us get on our way. Without either, I’d be stuck in this life – hungry, immobile, and wanting. “Thank you, Father, for sending the Light. In him we have life and need not be afraid.”