“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light” – Isaiah 9:2 (NRSV)
Advent is meant to be a time of darkness, yet we move to the bright lights as soon as possible. If you drive through a favorite neighborhood, you will likely notice some remarkable light displays. We like to have light in our life!
And yet, we miss so much when we embrace the light too early. Throughout the Gospel stories, we see Jesus immersing himself in the darkness of the world and bringing the light of God’s grace and love into the places it is needed the most.
I’m certain Jesus is present in many challenging settings today. Jesus is walking amongst the migrants at our country’s southern borders, the lost and afraid living in Ukraine, the couple who wonders if their adult child can overcome an addiction, and the person looking for a steady paycheck and job security. Our Messiah lived and served within the dark and messy moments of life.
In like manner, we can only impact our community and the world at large by living within the darkness that is present. Our common calling is to live like Jesus. We are to live with, and alongside, those who experience darkness. Together, we learn so much. Corrie ten Boom once said, “In darkness God’s truth shines most clear.” Years later, Bishop Desmond Tutu would remark, “Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all the darkness.”
Perhaps we need to take some time this Advent season to sit with the darkness as we are able. Moving away from our comfortable confines, we might find solidarity with those who need a boost! So maybe we need to stop avoiding the darkness and those who live within it. Maybe we learn to walk and live in the darkness with Jesus, and let God do what God does best, speak order into chaos, light into darkness, and life into death.
And finally, might the darkness we embrace make the light even more beautiful!
Peace and blessings, Pastor Scott