VOB News December 2023 “Christmas Miracle”

As Christmas time nears, and the Festival of Lights arrives, which Jesus, Himself celebrated, (also known as Hanukkah), my thoughts turn to Light and sight. Jesus said in John 8:12, that He is the Light of the World. He brings hope in dark times, and causes blind eyes-eyes that see darkness – to SEE.

Recently, I’ve had a first hand experience with the physical nature of this act. For a couple of years now, my eyesight has been so poor that no optician seemed able to get my glasses or contact prescriptions correct. It had gotten so bad, that I struggled to make out images that were a hundred yards away. I finally was able to go see an ophthalmologist and she told me I had cataracts that were interfering, in both eyes (she told me an optometrist would have trouble seeing where these were, hence the lack of prior diagnosis). Onto cataract surgery we went!! My right eye was first, and a new lens for distance vision was given. From the moment Wayne drove me home, I was completely astounded at what I could see! Everything was unbelievable clear, and I could make out things so very far away, just perfectly! When I looked out my window the next morning, I discovered how gorgeous the green pine trees outside our window were, how blue the sky was! I was shocked at how bright and colorful EVERYTHING was! Honestly, I had no idea what I had been missing, really for years, I was so used to seeing things a certain way.

Mind you, I’ve had glasses since I was in 2nd grade, and contacts since 9th grade. Every eye doctor I’ve seen in recent years, when they see my prescription, tells me how sorry they are that my eyes are so bad. But I was just used to it. This is just how it was.

My second surgery was done 2 weeks after my 1st, and I was given a new lens for seeing things more closely (yes this can be done, if you’ve never heard of it). Again, I’ve been shocked at how CLEAR I can read, and see things all around me – (even to the point of seeing how much more detailed I need to be when I clean the house – haha!).

To really summarize, I am completely astounded at how clear, beautiful and bright everything seems now, and I have been marveling, at how incredible GOD created our eyes, and how so many of us, with such brilliant eyesight, just miss out on that gift, because they’ve always had it. New eyes! Eyes to truly see! What an amazing concept!!

I realize that all those who don’t know Jesus, don’t know how brilliant and beautiful things can be. They only see darkness, and they know very little hope, because they can’t see the true Light. I feel like I’ve been given a real gift this holiday season. And I’d like to encourage you to remember, Jesus is the TRUE Light of the World; He came for us, and for others, to give us new eyes to see, new thoughts to think, new life! As you walk among friends and families this Christmas, keep in mind that you, in fact, are also a light….shine brightly my friends….be brilliant….give hope….and know that GOD, Himself, our Creator, is FOR you, not against you, He is YOUR shining Light in the darkness!!!