Pushing Back the Darkness

“The Bible presents God as the one who pushed back the darkness with this first light.”

—Today devotional, Dec. 2, 2024

Although much of the world is shadowed by fear, division, and uncertainty, the light of Jesus Christ offers a beacon of hope. During Advent, the Today devotionals offered by ReFrame Ministries explore the theme of light breaking through darkness.

For many believers, particularly those living in regions suffering persecution, war, or isolation, this light of Christ is a lifeline reminding them of God’s love, strength, and ultimate victory over darkness.

ReFrame Ministries, the global media ministry of the Christian Reformed Church, plays a pivotal role in ensuring that this light reaches even the darkest corners of the world. Through radio broadcasts, social media, and devotional publications, ReFrame is equipping believers to share the message of hope found in Jesus.

As darkness encroaches, the light of Christ continues to shine through ReFrame’s international media ministries, bringing peace to those in desperate need. The following pages explore that theme using excerpts from December’s Today devotions.

Hope Despite War

“God had seen their misery, heard their cries, and was moving to rescue them from their suffering and oppression in Egypt after more than 400 years.”

—Today, Dec. 5

The ongoing war in Ukraine has displaced millions, leaving families torn apart and communities destroyed. For Marianna and many more young mothers like her, the daily reality of conflict is a seemingly endless cycle of loss and despair.

Raising two little children by herself while her husband fights in the war, Marianna struggles with anxiety, panic attacks, and sleep loss.

Ukrainian women have faced unique hardships. Many are stuck in conflict zones, unable to reunite with loved ones or return to their homes. During this devastation, ReFrame Ministries is shining a light of hope.

ReFrame’s ministry team in Ukraine has launched a new chat hotline that displaced women and others affected by the war can call to speak with Christian psychologists.

This hotline offers not only emotional support, but also spiritual guidance by connecting individuals with local churches where they can find community and hope. Marianna was connected to a support group for military wives, a link to a Christian course, and counseling on how to handle panic attacks.

“It’s amazing how God is using this hotline to reach people,” said one of ReFrame’s partners in Ukraine. “These are women who are stuck in unimaginable circumstances, yet through these conversations, they are encountering the hope of Christ.”

Additionally, ReFrame’s Russian-language ministry continues to share the gospel through social media, radio, and personal outreach. These platforms allow individuals to access God’s Word safely and securely, even in the midst of the war.

“We’ve seen people come to faith in the most extraordinary ways during this war,” said Sergei Sosedkin, ReFrame’s Russian ministry leader. “Amid the destruction, there is renewal in Christ.”

As Dec. 5’s Today states, “The very instruments of war used to control (God’s people) will be destroyed. All of these signs point to freedom and new life that the people could not achieve on their own.”

This message of freedom, achieved only through Christ, is exactly what ReFrame is working to share with those affected by the horrors of the war in Ukraine and in other parts of the world.

Bringing Light in Persecution

“By extending the benefits of God’s redemptive work far beyond the borders of Israel’s imagination, God’s faithful servant disrupts Israel’s comfortable, self-focused peace.”

—Today, Dec. 13

Christians around the world are facing persecution and other barriers to their faith. Dec. 13’s Today reminds us to be mindful of these harsh realities and to pray for those in such circumstances.

In China, for example, government scrutiny has intensified, and churches and Christian websites have been shut down or censored. Similarly, in nations like India and Burkina Faso, growing anti-Christian and anti-Western sentiment has made it dangerous for believers or seekers to practice their faith openly. Despite these challenges, ReFrame Ministries continues to find innovative ways to spread the light of the gospel.

In China, where state pressure has forced many churches to close, ReFrame is working to equip Chinese-speaking church leaders with newly published books that provide spiritual resources and guidance during these difficult times. These books help nurture the faith of believers who are forced to gather in secret or operate underground.

“These resources are a lifeline for our church,” one Chinese pastor said. “With government scrutiny increasing, we’ve had to adapt, but God’s Word remains our anchor.”

In India and West Africa, where hostility toward Christianity is growing, ReFrame’s social media and audio programs offer a safe and accessible way for believers to engage with God’s Word and share it with others. Despite the very real threats of persecution, Christians in these regions are finding strength and hope through these programs.

“Even when we are isolated, we are not alone,” said a Christian woman from India who listens to ReFrame’s audio devotionals. “These messages remind us that God is with us, and his light will never be extinguished.”

The Dec. 13 Today devotional reminds us that God’s mission is not confined by human borders or limitations. His redemptive work extends far beyond what we can imagine, welcoming all people into his peace—even in the face of persecution.

Unity Brings Light

“God reassured Israel that his redemptive work across the world would lead to a different relationship between his people and those of other nations. Instead of war and violence, the nations would come seeking the light of God’s presence.”

—Today, Dec. 14

Unity in the body of Christ is a powerful force. It is through the collective efforts of believers worldwide that ReFrame Ministries is able to continue its work in regions facing darkness and despair. Through partnerships with local churches, global donors, and ministry teams, the light of Jesus is being shared with people in need.

In Japan, where social norms often discourage individuals from attending church out of fear of ostracism, ReFrame has launched The Church in My Town, a video series that allows viewers to explore Christian churches from the comfort of their homes. This innovative program helps people feel more at ease with the idea of visiting a church in person by allowing them to first see the community and its values online.

“We’ve found that many people are hesitant to walk into a church because they fear judgment or isolation,” said Masao Yamashita, ReFrame’s Japanese ministry leader. “This program helps break down those barriers and shows them that the church is a welcoming place.”

As the Dec. 14 Today devotional notes, God’s work is leading to a new relationship between God’s people and the nations. Instead of conflict and division, ReFrame’s partners are fostering unity and understanding through these creative initiatives.

The Light Will Not Be Overcome

“The light that God calls us into in Christ is not simply to help us see God more clearly but also to help people around us to recognize God’s goodness through us.”

—Today, Dec. 21

Despite the growing challenges faced by Christians around the world, John 1:5 reminds us, “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” This is the foundation of ReFrame’s mission: to ensure that the gospel continues to shine brightly, offering hope to those in the deepest darkness.

In North America, where prisons are overflowing, we remember the need for hope.

Copies of ReFrame’s Today devotional have made their way into many of these correctional facilities, providing inmates with daily encouragement and biblical teachings. One inmate shared, “Reading Today has changed my perspective. It’s brought me peace in a place where peace is hard to find.”

With every prison cell, war zone, and persecuted community that receives God’s Word, the light of Jesus shines a little brighter. As Dec. 21’s Today devotional reminds us, the light of Christ is not only for personal illumination; it is meant to be shared, helping others recognize God’s goodness in our lives.

Through the support of the Christian Reformed Church, ReFrame Ministries can continue to ensure that the light of Christ is not hidden, but instead shines brightly in the lives of those who need it most.

“As we reflect on the challenges and triumphs of 2024,” ReFrame director Kurt Selles said, “let us embrace the call to be lights in a world longing for hope. Together, we can ensure that the light of Christ continues to shine, bringing hope, peace, and salvation to those who need it most.”