Light is coming

Dec 22

December morning light dawning over Lake Michigan in Chicago.

Hannah Spangler

Last week, I texted a friend, “This year has held so much tragedy.”

Especially in the last six months, both my friend and I have faced multiple tragic losses in our communities. Whether someone lost their long fight with an illness or left us unexpectedly, each loss carried darkness.

This past Saturday, Dec. 21, marked the darkest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, with central Illinois only seeing daylight from 7:16 a.m. to 4:36 p.m. But the days only get brighter from here.

In addition to the tragic losses in my communities this year, I have faced my own battles with mental health, which were some of the darkest days of my year. From intense depression symptoms brought on by my undiagnosed polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), to my anxiety surrounding performance, perfection and food, I faced many weeks this year where I honestly wished I could stay in bed.

I am not telling you these things to gain your sympathy or attention, I am telling you these things because, chances are, you have faced some of your darkest days this year too. But the days only get brighter from here.

Astrologically, the days get increasingly longer after the Winter Solstice. As a Christian, my days get brighter as I refocus on the light and hope of Jesus throughout the Christmas season.

This year has indeed held so much tragedy, but it has also held hope and given me the chance to grow in my understanding of who God is. God has answered many of my prayers this year. I can’t forget that.

God opened doors for me to get my beloved job. He ensured I was surrounded by a Godly community at, and outside of work. Even in the hurting and the waiting, I know God never left my side.

“In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” John 1:4-5

But the presence of God in our lives does not keep us away from the dark. The presence of God means we can have hope in the darkness because we are fighting a battle that God has already won.

Verses about hope:

Isaiah 40:31: But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Romans 5:3-4: Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.
Hebrews 11:1: Faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.

Mental health resources, because it’s okay to seek help: