Light In The Darkness

Isaiah 9:2b – The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness, on them light has shined. (RSV)

I'm not sure why, but I have gotten into the "Christmas spirit" early this year. Perhaps it is all the lights that suddenly appeared on the first of November. Or perhaps it is watching the excitement on my young sons' faces, when they see the lights and decorations.

We decided to take advantage of the nice weather and put up our lights on a Sunday in November. My three-year-old son, Stuart, was so excited, and he wanted to see the lights lit up right away. I explained to him that we would have to wait until it was dark before we could see the lights. So he waited impatiently until finally it was dark enough to see the lights shining and sparkling.

This experience made me think of Advent and the words of Isaiah in today's verse.

Like Stuart, who had to wait for the darkness in order truly to see the lights, we Christians have the time of Advent to wait and prepare for the coming of the true light. This is Jesus, whose light penetrates the darkest corners of our lives. As we think of the horrors that have occurred these past months, we look to the coming of the light, and pray for the hope, peace, joy, and love that Christ brings.

Prayer: Dear Lord, we thank you that your light is there, shining in the darkness, and that the darkness will not overcome it. Amen.

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