Thursday, December 24: Isaiah 9:2
The people who walked in darkness
have seen a great light.
They lived in a land of shadows,
but now light is shining on them.
Light all the candles. Eat all the ice cream. Snuggle up with some blankets. And wait for the light.
It’s easy to take light for granted when the electricity is on. But when the lights are off, all you can do is wait for the light of dawn. (or the OG&E crew to restore power.)
Every morning the sun rises. All of creation celebrates with songs of praise to welcome the coming of the light. The sunlight is sure and predictable. The sun transforms the darkness of night into the light of morning day after day. The sunrise and sunset set the rhythms of life.
Night and day, darkness and light are all part of our experience here on earth.
We all know the night, the darkness, where the shadows of death loom thick and heavy. The darkness that is all around us and within us. Yes, we do know what it is like to walk in darkness, fear, stress, or isolation. But just when we think we have lost sight of hope, the far horizon begins to turn purple and we are reminded the light is coming. We are not alone.
During advent we celebrate the coming of the Son, the Christ, the Light. God is with us. We have a God that shows up again and again. No matter how dark the night may seem, we can be confident we are not alone. The night will not last forever. God will show up as consistently as the dawn and the light of love will transform us again and again.
The path of transformation leads us through the darkness of suffering to the light of dawn. Through it all we hold fast to the hope of advent. Christ is coming. The light of Christ is shining all around us and it is within us, despite the shadows of darkness. This is our hope. This is our wholeness and peace. It is our joy. This is love embodied.
In the light we are made whole. We are fully seen, and we are able to see clearly. We are safe. We are accepted as we are. The tears are wiped away. We can laugh again. We have been made new. God is with us. We are with God.
Let us celebrate the coming of the light! (like the power has been off for 2 days in an ice storm.)
Allison and Jarris Kentle