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READ: PSALM 32:7-8; ISAIAH 42:16; LUKE 1:78-79; JOHN 1:1-12\n\n\n\nMerrick lifted the candle as he clutched his tunic. He felt the sand underfoot as shadows danced on the cave walls. \u201cBeautiful, yes?\u201d Father\u2019s voice comforted him and pushed him to ignore the darkness. Yes, it was breathtaking\u2014like a hidden world. \u201cAll this time,\u201d Merrick said, fixing his eyes on the glittering ceiling, \u201cthe cave\xa0went farther than we imagined.\u201d\n\n\n\n\u201cHow about going farther now?\u201d Father asked. Merrick took a deep breath and continued forward. Now was not the time to fear. The candle was near, as was Father. Besides, exploring was fun. He kept the candle outstretched and stepped after Father\u2019s form. Suddenly, the flame flickered and with a whoosh, the candle went out. \u201cFather!\u201d\n\n\n\n\u201cI\u2019m here, son. Stay calm.\u201d He heard Father\u2019s voice but could feel the panic seeping inside and eating his breath. Merrick reached Father and threw himself against him.\n\n\n\n\u201cAre we to die in here?\u201d With the ink of night polluting his vision?\n\n\n\nFather wrapped his arm around Merrick. \u201cTell me, what blew your candle out?\u201d\n\n\n\n\u201cWhat?\u201d Merrick\u2019s breathing slowed.\n\n\n\n\u201cListen, wind is whistling around us.\u201d Yes, Merrick could hear the whisper. Then he could feel it. \u201cAnd if you train your ears, you may hear a crashing.\u201d Merrick lifted his head from Father\u2019s tunic. Could it be the ocean? \u201cI suppose if we move toward that\xa0sound we shall find light and escape this darkness. Place your hand on the wall and\xa0trace the rock as we walk.\u201d Eager to see light, Merrick obeyed, his heart still shaking. Together they let the wind guide them. Soon, a faint light erupted into their line of sight.\n\n\n\n\u201cThe darkness never lasts. Remember who our Light is.\u201d Father\u2019s words lit Merrick\u2019s\xa0heart with courage. Now, he could see blue etched around the white haze.\n\n\n\nDarkness would not last.\n\n\n\nMerrick ran into the first wave that lapped into the cave and let it soak his shoes.\xa0He lifted his face to the sky, which shone a vibrant hue that melded with a gathering gray. He turned to see Father splashing behind him and laughed with relief. \u201cThe darkness is gone.\u201d\xa0\u2022 Payton Tilley\n\n\n\n\u2022 Today\u2019s story is an allegory. Even when life feels dark and confusing, Jesus is the Light of the world. One day, Jesus will return to get rid of all fear and darkness, and in the meantime, He lovingly guides us through everything we face. What are some ways we can we encourage each other with the hope we have in Jesus?\n\n\n\n\u201cI [Jesus] am the light of the world.\u201d John 9:5b (CSB)