The Voice of Death and the Voice of Life

 

"The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it." -John 1:5

It's been a dark, death-dealing kind of year. 2020 will go down as a year no one forgets. The politics alone make it memorable, but it's also been a year of great loss for many. COVID has taken away normalcy, jobs, businesses, and the lives of loved ones.

When things are difficult for a long period of time, the Voice of Death begins to speak loudly. It says things like, "Bad things will keep happening. Life is really depressing and unfair. Don't get your hopes up. Don't you see how the universe is against you? Life sucks and then you die."

When we experience personal failures or hardships, the Voice of Death says things like, "You're a loser. You aren't contributing anything. If people knew who you really are, they'd all abandon you. You'll never change. You'll never make it beyond where you are. You are worthless."

But there is another Voice...

When things are dark, this Voice says, "The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it." When we experience personal failure or loss, the Voice of Life says things like, "This will not defeat you, it will become a catalyst for change. You are made in the image of your Creator. I am with you, even when it doesn't feel like it. You are loved. Participate with me and you will become an unshakeable person. Trust me, I am pulling you forward. Death does not have the last word."

When we encounter other people, the Voice of Death speaks: "What an idiot. I can't trust them. I'm inferior. I'm superior. It's a dog eat dog world. Be afraid of them. They are evil and worth nothing."

Or the Voice of Life speaks: "They are your brothers and sisters. You are all connected. Love your neighbor as yourself. They, too, are made in the Divine image. Look for the good."

We all form a story, a narrative that we repeat in our heads. This story shapes and interprets life for us. What does yours sound like? Which voice has authority?

A crucifix is a powerful symbol. It tells a story that can be interpreted more than one way. Someone could look at it and only see suffering, brutality, darkness, shame, misery, and death. 

Or someone could look at it and see death being transformed into life. Darkness being exhausted of its power. Light shining even in the blackest darkness. Love that never fails.

"The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world." 

-John 1:9

Believe.