ADVENT
It is hard to believe that we
are at the beginning of a new church year, but here we are. I pray that your journey with Christ this past year has been very
fruitful and blessed.
St. John tells us that, “God is light; in Him is no darkness at all.” (1 John 1:51) The Bible also tells
us that Jesus is the Light of the world, a light that cannot be put out by any darkness (John 9:5). These are important
words for us to remember. The darkness around us is not greater than the light within us!
That is what Advent is all about. While the dark seasons
of history and of our own lives may try to intimidate and overwhelm our faith in God’s promises, Advent reminds us that
Christ is Lord of all life and His light will overcome! Christ is the light that shines in the darkness and the darkness cannot
overcome that light! (John 1:1-5) No matter the outward circumstance or appearance, God’s love and faithfulness will
not change and He will not desert us. Just as Jesus came at a certain time in history in fulfillment of God’s promises,
so will the fulfillment of His promises to you come to pass. That is the promise of Advent!
During Advent we also need to reflect upon Jesus’ words to us that we “are the light of the world; a city
set upon a hill cannot be hidden." (Matt. 5:14-16) There is a world around us that is groping in its own darkness. People
are desperate for assurance that the light has not gone out. We are to be that assurance. We must reflect His light in this
dark world. Let us shine the light in our attitude – be joyful and hopeful. Let us shine the light in our worship –
praise Him for He is worthy of praise. Let us shine the light in our actions – care for the homeless, the helpless,
the down-and-out and the up-and-out, our friends, neighbors and family. As Jesus was Emmanuel, “God with us”,
let Him be “in us the hope of glory” (Matthew 1:23); for ourselves and for our world.
May we be His light for others during this Advent season and beyond it. May others find unconditional love and acceptance,
respect and care from those of us who look for His coming again. May many who come in contact with us this Advent, find His
coming for the first time and be warmed by the warm light of the stable. Amen.
