In a liturgy my Doctoral cohort uses to begin each day, my favorite prayer reads:

Christ, as a light, illumine and guide me. Christ, as a shield, overshadow me. Christ under me; Christ over me; Christ beside me,on my left and my right. This day, be within and without me, lowly and meek, yet all-powerful. Be in the heart of each to whom I speak; in the mouth of each who speaks to me. This day, be within and without me, lowly and meek, yet all-powerful. Christ as a light; Christ as a shield; Christ beside me, on my left and my right.

This prayer reminds me that I need the light of Jesus to work from the inside out. Sometimes darkness feels as if it’s not just around us, but within us. It creeps quietly into our hearts and minds through worry, fear, grief, or shame. Psalm 13 captures that raw human experience: “Look on me and answer, Lord my God. Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death.” The psalmist doesn’t pretend that life is easy; he cries out to God, asking for answers and hope amid overwhelming circumstances.

Psalm 90 reminds us that nothing—including our secret sins, our fears, our hidden wounds—is hidden from God. We may try to cover them, hide them from others, or push them aside, but God sees and knows every corner of our hearts. And here is the good news: Jesus’ light can reach those shadows. His light brings forgiveness, healing, and direction in places where we feel lost, ashamed, or overwhelmed. Darkness does not have the final word, Jesus does.

Think of the areas in your life where you’ve felt unseen or misunderstood. Maybe it’s a struggle you’ve carried silently for years, a worry you can’t let go, or a personal failure that keeps replaying in your mind. Advent reminds us that God’s Light comes specifically for those hidden, hard-to-reach places. Jesus does not shy away from our darkness. He enters it, illuminates it, and transforms it into something life-giving.

Reflection: Identify one area of hidden struggle or fear. You may want to write it down. Then pray to invite Christ’s Light into that space. Ask Him to illuminate, guide, and heal. If you’re comfortable, share it with someone you trust—a friend, a pastor, or a spiritual mentor. Bringing darkness into the light is not a sign of weakness; it is an act of faith.

Prayer: Lord, thank You that no darkness is hidden from You. Shine Your light into the secret corners of my heart. Help me trust You with my fears, my worries, and my failures. Christ, as a light, illumine and guide me. Bring healing to my hidden wounds, and guide me in Your way. Amen.