The Speed of Dark

The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. For those who live in the land of deep darkness, a light will shine.
—Isaiah 9:2

This is the season of lights in the northern hemisphere. As the days shorten and darkness comes earlier, colorful lights bravely shine as if to make the darkness easier to bear, to make it friendlier and less daunting.

Light does that: it drives the darkness away.

The speed of light is 186,000 miles per second. Pretty fast stuff! So when you turn the lights out at night, how long does it take for darkness to appear? In other words, what is the speed of dark?

Is it the same as light: 186,000 miles per second? Actually darkness has no speed. It simply is the absence of light. In other words, darkness is always present, it is the default of light. It is instantaneous.
While physical darkness is instantaneous so is the darkness that falls upon the person caught in fear or worry, faced with challenges that seem insurmountable. The same darkness appears when trust is threatened, assumption made without correct information. It is true...darkness abounds!

The message of the Christmas birth is that we are not alone in our darkness rather as Jesus told the people:

"I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."  John 8:12

You are called to be light bearers, agents of hope and courage. Through your actions, darkness is dispelled, by words, smiles, counsel, or a touch.

As you look upon the Christmas lights and enjoy their victory over the night remember that you too have the opportunity to dispel the darkness of a patients fear or worry.

In a few moments you will be serving alongside a fellow employee, physician partner as you care for the patients in need of your help. Be a light bearer; drive the darkness of fear away, just like the hymn says: "Melt the clouds of sin and sadness, drive the dark of doubt away… Joyful Joyful we adore thee…”