A family on vacation was touring the Carlsbad Caverns in southeastern New Mexico.  The mother, father, nine year old son, and five year old daughter were in a large tour group in one of the huge rooms deep within the cave.  The guide, after explaining the various formations inside the cave, announced that he would turn out the lights for a few moments so that the group could experience total darkness.  The lights went out and the room was black.  After a few seconds, the five year old reached nervously for her older brother's hand.  The boy was heard to say softly, "Don't worry.  There is someone here who knows how to turn on the lights."

The world is asking if there is anyone out there who knows where the lights are.  Friend of Dial Hope, we are the ones who know, we who are the people of God.  We are the bearers of that light, the light of Jesus Christ.  The darkness of illness and death, the separation from a loved one, can be fearsome and incredible!  They are days of endless night.  But the light of Jesus Christ can outshine the darkness, even the black holes of space.  Darkness does not have the last word.  The Light has come.  Let us, then, by the grace of God, lay aside the works of darkness and put on the armor of light.  (Romans 13:12).

Prayer:  Loving God, deep calls to deep and your amazing grace draws us toward you like moths to a flame, like creatures to the warmth of an eternal fire.  The days of our lives are full of joy and pain, love and sorrow.  Thank you for your caring which settles over us like a cloud of warmth and light.  Be Thou our vision.  Bless us so we may be a blessing to others.  Through Jesis Christ, the Light of the World.  Amen.