November 26, 2021 - Matthew 27:45; Mark 15:33; Luke 23:44-45

Thanksgiving is such a joyous time as family comes together and everyone enjoys one another. Often, after too much food and lots of family fun, Black Friday suddenly occurs as one holiday season ends and a new one kicks into high gear. With no rest or breaks, the retail stores and internet sites have used this day as a launching point for Christmas and for all kinds of sale events!

For Christians, the real Black Friday occurred as Christ hung upon the cross and the darkness came upon the earth from noon until 3 pm. Suddenly the sky grew dark, and the entire sun was eclipsed as the Savior of the world hung there between earth and heaven. Each of the Synoptic Gospel writers mention this phenomenon.

Jesus, at that moment was alone with His Father and there they communed and finalized their plan of redemption. God often puts individuals in darkness so that He might teach and instruct His followers in the mysteries of the Lord. Jacob wrestled through the darkness of night before having peace with God (Genesis 30) . Joshua walked alone by the walls of Jericho when he met with the Captain of the Lord's hosts (Joshua 5:13-15). Jesus often spent entire nights in prayer before resuming ministry responsibilities (Luke 6:12).

In the darkness, the Lord can sometimes bring the greatest and deepest instructions to His followers. Like the biblical characters, we may not enjoy the loss of sleep or the intensity of the struggle but in the end, the reward far outweighs the investment.

An old hymn speaks to being alone in darkness with the Lord, "When storms of life are round me beating, when rough the path that I have trod, within my closet doors retreating. I love to be alone with God." This Black Friday, may we take some time with the Lord, commune with Him and allow Him to instruct us in the truths of His way throughout this busy holiday season!