In the “always winter” of 2020, walk in the light of the Son

In a memorable line from The Chronicles of Narnia, Mr. Tumnus laments, “It is winter in Narnia and has been for ever so long . . . always winter, but never Christmas.” 

This year of 2020, the entire thing, has felt like the winter Mr. Tumnus describes. 

The civil distress, the pandemic and sickness, the struggles with mental health and emotional well-being, the state of our economy—they have left so many feeling helpless and longing for a metaphorical saving grace—a Christmas. 

Or perhaps, a Savior.

In the middle of our suffering, our Savior equips us with sources of his amazing grace. For example, he provides us with light.

The Bible tells us: “For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light” (Ephesians 5:8). The entirety of (well, everything) began with Genesis 1, “And God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light” (v. 3). 

Time and time again, Scripture uses light and the sun to illustrate radiance and holiness (Matthew 13:43; Proverbs 4:18; Psalm 84:11, Matthew 17:2).

In Ecclesiastes 11:7, we are told: “Light is sweet, and it is pleasant for the eyes to see the sun.”

Have you been “forest bathing”?

While many of these Scriptural references to light are symbolic, there is value to be found in literal application. There are benefits to be reaped by engaging with nature.

Have you ever stepped outside and felt your pulse slow? 

Have you been calmed by deep breaths of fresh air and the songs of a nearby bird?

In “How the simple act of nature helps you de-stress,” Christina Heiser speaks to the healing effects of “forest bathing,” which she defines as “the practice of spending time in a forested area in an effort to reap wellness rewards.”

And science supports these effects. Irina Wen, Ph.D., explains: “Nature can be beneficial for mental health . . . . It reduces cognitive fatigue and stress and can be…