Light That Shines in the Darkness
“Almighty God, give us grace to cast away the works of darkness, and put on the armor of light, now in the time of this mortal life in which your Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility…….”
Collect for the 1st Sunday of Advent
You are not the same as you were a year ago. Even without a pandemic, from year to year, life’s events change us, both subtly and dramatically. Over the course of any 12 months, our story will include gains and losses, hopes and tears, and unwanted changes and unexpected joys. As we watch, wait and prepare during Advent this year, perhaps we will see and hear truth that we could not see or hear last year.
Advent begins in the dark, drawing us to watch, wait and prepare. The season invites us to acknowledge where we are: to take an honest look at our condition and the fine messes into which we have gotten ourselves, and to consider our inability to fix ourselves and our need for a Savior. We are called to thoughtfully and prayerfully slow down, making an honest inventory of the darkness within.
What is God up to in my life? That is the question I invite you to ask of your own life. In a world where so much is so wrong, where sin and evil wreak havoc, where the innocent suffer at the hands of individuals and systems, what can I do?
We are called and empowered for the extraordinary and holy work of bearing the light of Christ into the world. The real spirit of this season does not pretend the darkness isn’t there, but lights a candle, straps on the armor of light and steps out in faith to care for those caught out in the dark, walking alongside them as Jesus, the Light of the world, does.
Pray for the Light that shines in the darkness, knowing that you have precious gifts to give. You have the Light that shines in the darkness.
You have the hope that cannot be overcome. You have the good news: Christ will come. His kingdom will prevail. And darkness will not last.
