I love to drive. Every year I would drive by myself to Florida. This drive did wonders for me. But mostly, it gives me time to think. Traveling by plane is just not the same. The hassle at the airport, the uncomfortable and tight seating, the hustle, bustle, leaves no time to really relax and think.
One year I was driving late into the evening. I was pulled over by a state trooper. I had been driving on the highway without my headlights on, and he wanted to know why. (This was before automatic headlights.) I told him honestly that I didn’t realize it had grown that dark because I was so caught up in my own thoughts. He lectured me on the dangers of my actions and wrote me a warning ticket. Much to my relief and embarrassment, I drove off still in possession of my license. I made sure my lights were always on after that. I would not let the darkness sneak up on me again.
Too often our lives slide into darkness brought on by our being so busy or disappointed or angry or jealous or confused. And, sadly, we often are not even aware of the darkness enveloping us. If we are not careful, we can get lost in it. Isaiah tells us to pick ourselves up and be aware that the Lord, newborn, shines with a radiant light in our world. The same light that led the Magi to Jesus illuminates our world and leads us out of the darkness, helping us to see the beauty of God’s light and love. We live in that light. This is the true gift of the Epiphany.