“Light in the Darkness”
Lectionary Readings: Isaiah 9:2-7; Psalm 96; Titus 2:1-14; Luke 2: 1-14.
“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned....For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders, and he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9: 2 and 6
“It was a dark and stormy night.” (No, I’m not writing the beginning of a novel). But, I was awakened by the blowing wind outside and the lack of light and power inside. It was the middle of the night, so I set the battery operated clock and went back to sleep only to find that there was still no power on Friday morning when I needed to begin my day. I had to shower and get to work – patients were depending on me. So I lit some candles and headed into the shower. Whoever said that showering by candlelight is romantic???? Oh, well. However, I know what a difference a little light makes. Showering, dressing and preparing for public display is much, much better in a lighted area. I am definitely not a rugged primitive sort.
When Jesus proclaimed in John 8:12 that he was the “Light of the World,” he wasn’t speaking of actual light, but we certainly can understand this language. Even in a world with powerful electricity, there are dark areas that we avoid because we fear for our safety. Many of us walk in the darkness of our own soul, weighed down by burdens and obstacles. Jesus said that anyone who followed him would not stumble in the darkness – that he would provide plenty of light. When we follow Jesus we become part of that light – safe and protected and encouraged to share the light with others. Accepting Jesus into our hearts connects us to the light. We are no longer “walking in darkness.” We’ve all sung the children’s song: “This Little Light of Mine” using out finger as the light and waving it as we sang. We are a blessed people who have been given this great gift of light. The Light of the World is Jesus!
The Light came first as a baby and recalling the joy of a baby’s birth helps us to reconnect to the light. When I get to sing the Messiah which contains a chorus using the words of Isaiah: “For Unto Us A Child is Born”, the power and majesty of Isaiah’s prophecy is revealed to me. The story of Jesus is mysterious, unbelievable, glorious, overwhelming and real. We are hesitant to give up all our busy ways to let him in, though. We have this time before Christmas every year to prepare once again to accept the baby in the manger. Time is running out on the Advent Calendar, but there is always time for the Father to accept one of his own and welcome them into the circle of light that is the Son.
It’s not an Advent or Christmas Carol, but the words call us to accept the light and live as a changed person:
Come! Live in the light!
Shine with the joy and the love of the Lord!
We are called to be light for the kingdom,
to live in the freedom of the city of God!
Come! Open your heart!
Show your mercy to all those in fear!
We are called to be hope for the hopeless
so all hatred and blindness will be no more!
Sing! Sing a new song!
Sing of that great day when all will be one!
God will reign, and we’ll walk with each other
as sisters and brothers, united in love!
Refrain: We are called to act with justice;
We are called to love tenderly;
We are called to serve one another;
to walk humbly with God!
Dear God of Glorious Light: We ask once again for you to have patience with us. We have been ignoring your messages this season. We’ve tried, but we have allowed the busyness and worldly distractions to draw us away from the light. Help us to sweep away the darkness in our hearts that keep them from becoming ready for you to enter in. Fill our hearts once again with the fresh new light of today that gives us guidance and direction. Continue to call us to live in the light! AMEN
Chyrl Budd
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