And God said, "Let there be light and there was." How profound and deeply meaningful this phrase from Genesis is. Every year during the holidays I look into the depth of my heart and reflect upon the past year. As I think about this year, it was by far the hardest our family and friends have had to face. But in the midst of the darkness and grief, there was light. And grounded in the light were miracles waiting to be revealed.

Light is not the absence of darkness, darkness is the absence of light. When you walk into a dark room, you turn on the light; when you want to darken a room, you turn it off. When you or your children are faced with the valleys of your life, these are times of great darkness. Light is what brings comfort, hope and eventually healing. Light is not something that just appears; you call it forth, you turn it on or in the darkest of moments you cry out in prayer for it.

When you or your family are in the depth of sadness, gather your children, connect with the light and remember the miracles that are waiting to be revealed. Here is a prayer that our family has used over and over in dark times to bring us strength.

Take a deep breath and breathe in light

For in the light, every moment reveals a miracle

From the laughter of our children

To the sacred connection of love

Take a deep breath and breathe in light

For in the light, every moment reveals a miracle

From the possibility of peace on earth

To the eternal presence of God within our hearts

Take a deep breath and breathe in light

For in the light, every moment reveals a miracle

From the life force that ignites our bodies

To each breath that heals our souls

Take a deep breath and breathe in light

For in the light every moment reveals a miracle

When you were created in the image of God you became a miracle.

Fill with light, fill with grace, fill with strength and know the miracle that God intended you to be

So as you walk through the dark valleys in your own life and the lives of your children, remember to grieve, to let go of your emotions and find comfort in your loved ones. Then take a deep breath and breathe in light. For in the light every moment reveals a miracle. May this holiday season bring you and your family grace, strength, hope, health and, most of all, love.

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Debbie Milam is the co-creator of "Empowering Our Children: Creating Connected Families, Classrooms, and Communities " . She is an occupational therapist and life coach whose work has been featured in over 300 media outlets including The Miami Herald, Elle, Ladies Home Journal, PBS and The Hallmark Channel. Visit her website for more books and resources to help you be a highly effective parent. Visit her online at www.bestyoucanbe.org and sign up for her newsletter to receive your special report, "Creating Peace Within Yourself and Your Family." © Copyright 2008 Debbie Milam.