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. ~Isaiah 9:2
Christmas lights, thrown-in-the-box tangled strands, as usual.
Januarys come with their own set of tasks, and I hurry through the take-down, not thinking ahead, forgetting how quickly the seasons turn. And here we are.
A new tree (please, drink water), the aroma of Oregon landscape still lingers on its branches, white lights winking, Swedish candelabra plugged into place.
The fire is burning, outdoor decor well-displayed, but all of these Christmas lights leave a pale impression. The darkness avoided, but not gone.
We live in the land between darkness and light, and the shadow brushes us all. Sometimes the lights simply highlight our sorrow. Sometimes the cheer reminds us of gloom. But we’re afraid to say it, we feel disloyal–the season requires we be merry and bright.
Unexpected Light
It was Christmas Eve, forty years ago or so, the family gathered at the farm in Connecticut. Filled with smorgasbord fare, I walked alone “down the lots,” snow crunching under my boots, my breath white in the December air. I paused and tipped my head, entranced by the swath of star-blaze above me.
I talked to God for a moment about some now-forgotten angst, but my words sputtered and stopped. There, in the icy, bare-branched, hushed New England night, I sensed it. A light of a different sort, a voice unspoken, a greatness unseen, a trace of laughter invading the gloom. And I heard the silent song,
Be glad and be merry, all who hold hands with sorrow. Rejoice and dance with your fears in the night. The radiance of Christ comes to every dim corner. No darkness can linger where he is made welcome. No gloom can withstand the gaze of his kindness, for he knows…
Light of Lights
Light of lights! All gloom dispelling,
Thou didst come to make thy dwelling
Here within our world of sight.
Lord, in pity and in power,
Thou didst in our darkest hour
Rend the clouds and show thy light.
Praise to thee in earth and heaven
Now and evermore be given,
Christ, who art our sun and shield.
Lord, for us thy life thou gavest,
Those who trust in thee thou savest,
All thy mercy stands revealed.
St. Thomas Aquinas
I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life. John 8:12
Are you struggling to find light in the darkness? How can we pray for you today?
Photograph, "Homeless in Berkeley," Melanie Hunt
6 replies on “Fifth Gift of Advent: Christmas Lights”
Pray for the ones that we love ( the Lover of our souls knows their names)
to be given the eyes to see that their gift of redemption has been paid in full and
is waiting for them to claim it……so they can walk in the light as Jesus (their Redeemer and ours) is in the light.
Romans 3: 22 -24 there is no distinction for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.
What an amazing gift!!!
There it is Mary, the heart of it all. Well said!
so beautiful and poignant – love your perspective
Thank you, Karen. May the light of Christ guide you today.
Janet – I am reminded of the Bible verse, “In Thy Light we see light,” North Park College (university now) motto. True light reveals the truth in our lives.
Great point, Sylvie!