Some things never change. Imagine what bedtime must have been like a few thousand years ago. The children are snugly tucked into their corner of the cave. “Dad,” a terrified voice cries out, “something’s crawling up my leg!”“This bearskin is scratchy!” “Mom, she’s hitting me. Make her stop!” And then the inevitable: “I’m thirsty. Can I have another drink of glog…pleeeeease!” The chorus continues until their weary-to-the-bone cave parents finally assert their authority and everything is quiet but for the rustle of a few bat wings. 

Little people always seem to resist the ending of the day. Come to think of it, I sometimes stay up way past my bedtime. Maybe the problem is a primeval fear of the darkness—we resist closing our eyes when they saw the sun go down for the very first time? Were they heartened by a brilliant white light hanging low in the western sky? If so, they were probably gazing at the evening star, which just so happens to be the second planet from the sun. Yes, Venus is both the morning and the evening star, a steady brightness that reminds us of the One who lights up our darkness and chases away our gloom. 

Promises in Scripture 

Psalm 139:11-12 – If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,” even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you. 

Isaiah 29:18-19 – In that day the deaf will hear the words of the scroll, and out of gloom and darkness the eyes of the blind will see. Once more the humble will rejoice in the LORD; the needy will rejoice in the Holy One of Israel. 

Continued Prayer and Praise 

Hold fast to Christ and He will give you the morning star. (Revelation 2:26-28) Remember that Jesus is the radiance of God’s glory. (Hebrews 1:3) Be glad because Jesus shines on those living in darkness. (Luke 1:67-79)