Again, a new commandment I write to you, which thing is true in Him and in you, because the darkness is passing away, and the true light is already shining.

  - 1 John 2.8

Do Thou, Christ, deign to kindle our lamps, our Saviour most sweet to us, that they may shine continually in Thy temple, and receive perpetual light from Thee the Light perpetual, so that our darkness may be enlightened, and yet the world’s darkness may be driven from us.

  - Columbanus, Sermon XII, Irish, 7th century[1]

The darkness is passing away?

Some of us may have a hard time believing that statement, but that’s only because we don’t have a large enough perspective to see the entire field of reality, the course of history, and our own lives the way God does.

When the light of Jesus Christ burst brilliantly out of that garden tomb, a power for progressive righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit was unleashed on the earth, a power nothing has ever been able to stop, nor ever will (Rom. 14.17, 18; Dan. 2.44, 45; Is. 9.6, 7).

Even from his exile on the Island of Patmos, John could see that the forces of darkness were doomed. Jesus, ruling at the Father’s right hand, is turning His glorious light on the darkness everywhere, and the darkness is in careening retreat.

Undoubtedly you can see this in your own life. The coming of Christ into your soul began a work of light-bringing that has brought about many changes in your outlook, attitudes, priorities, and practices. The work is not complete, of course, nor will it ever be in this life.

But if we truly know Jesus, and have His Spirit dwelling in us, there will be evidence of the darkness decamping our souls and lives. To which we say, “Good riddance.”

And you can see it as well in your Personal Mission Field, as you bring the light of hope, righteousness, peace, and joy to the people to whom God sends you each day.

Each of us is a microcosm of the world. The darkness of sin, unbelief, and the fear of death has been steadily receding in the world since that resurrection morning, and it will continue to pass away until the Lord Jesus comes in all His brilliant glory to destroy the darkness once and for all. It may not always be apparent to us, but the darkness is on the run, and Jesus is in hot pursuit.

Our calling is to receive the light and to shine it on others: “This little light of mine...” As we do, we become powerful forces in the hand of the Lord, as He continues the work of humbling the devil and lighting up the enemy’s formerly gloomy domain with beauty, goodness, and truth.

Look at the world through God’s eyes. Look at your life and your daily calling from your position seated with Christ at the right hand of God (Eph. 2.6). See the light He is shining in you and through you into your Personal Mission Field. Then multiply that by millions like yourself.

The darkness cannot resist such light. But we must not hide our light under some bushel of fear, doubt, unbelief, or neglect. Let the light of Christ shine in and through you, and watch what God can do.

Psalm 9.11-13 (Diademata: Crown Him with Many Crowns)
Praise then the Lord of Zion, declare His deeds abroad!
Praise Judah’s mighty saving Lion, the ever-blessèd God!
His blood has washed us clean; He hears our plaintive cries,
He good to us has ever been and lifts us to the skies!

Lord, if I really believe that you are rolling back the darkness, then I should be earnest and eager for deeds of light. Help me, Lord.

Coming soon
Beginning this winter, Crosfigell will take you on a devotional journey through the Celtic Revival. Starting with the writings of Patrick, and working through those of Colum Cille, Columbanus, and others, we will open the spigot of this stream in historical order. Please keep us in prayer as we work on this series. Encourage your friends to subscribe to Crosfigell. And, if you’d like to familiarize yourself a bit more with the Celtic Revival, write to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and request the free PDF, The Celtic Revival: A Brief Introduction. Or from our bookstore, order a copy of The Legacy of Patrick (click here).

As you pray…
Would you prayerfully consider helping The Fellowship? Take a few minutes today and ask the Lord whether He would have you share with us regarding the financial needs of this ministry. God supplies all our needs, and He does so through friends who share our vision and benefit from our ministry. It’s easy to give to The Fellowship of Ailbe, and all gifts are, of course, tax-deductible. You can click here to donate online through credit card or PayPal, or send your gift to The Fellowship of Ailbe, 19 Tyler Drive, Essex Junction, VT 05452.

T. M. Moore, Principal
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All Psalms for singing from The Ailbe Psalter. Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.