Read Hebrews 10:19-25

19 Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

For Reflection

Years ago (before we started holding our teacher's conference) I was invited into a classroom at VSSC to "share something" with the teachers. I was an educator by trade, but this was unplanned and I had no idea what to say. But within a few minutes it became clear to me that these teachers simply wanted a word of encouragement and some camaraderie. We ended up spending a wonderful hour together as we shared stories andlearned from each other.

Life is just hard sometimes and we all know that. But I think there is one thing that eases our burdens in a way that nothing else can: community. We need fellowship, understanding, a place we can go to not only receive a hug but realize once again tha we are not alone. “I love you” is a powerful sentence, but anyone who is hurting can tell you that there is unparalleled comfort in: “I understand. I hear you. I’ve been there, too. You’re not alone.” We need each other, friends. We are, and always will be, better together.

When my sons were little they were convinced that there was something in their closet. I could have told them that they were being irrational. That their fears were unfounded and they needed to suck it up and just go to sleep. But of course I didn’t do that. I went into their room, turned on the light, and riffled through every dark shadow—not just in the closet, but under the bed, too. We peered behind clothes and moved a hamper, shifted toys and searched every corner until we had chased the darkness away.

As Christians, we are called to chase the darkness away for each other. We carry light with us. And when life seems hopeless and all is lost, we remind each other (and ourselves): YOU ARE NOT ALONE. With Jesus you are uniquely powerful. You have the ability to reach out a hand, to pull someone from the darkness where they sit in fear or loneliness or despair. What a gift! May we always strive to find ways to persevere in faith— and to help one another along the way.

For Discussion

• How can you be a light in the darkness to someone? There are hurting people all around you, people who need to hear the message: You are not alone. Reach out. Write a note, make a meal, send a small but thoughtful gift. Find a way to be a light to someone today!