Light in the Darkness

 

When I googled the phrase “Light in the Darkness”, AI gave me this explanation:

“Light in the darkness’ is a phrase signifying a source of hope, positivity, or guidance appearing in a difficult or challenging situation, essentially representing a glimmer of good amidst adversity; often used metaphorically to describe a person, idea, or action that brings hope to a seemingly hopeless situation.”

It is a fitting thought, as we begin the Advent season.

The four weeks before Christmas are, literally, the darkest time of the year, the days with the shortest amount of sunlight in our Northern Hemisphere.  In our prayer and reflection during this time, we anticipate the coming of Jesus, as light coming into the world.

In our secular world, the closed we might come to something spiritual is:

In what may seem a time of darkness in our world today, our faith reminds us that we are to be those stars and not just endure the darkness.  Where do we get the direction and strength to be one of those stars?  To join with others to fill the darkness with light?

 

Jesus, the gift we celebrate at Christmas; God, in becoming one of us, shows us the way to be light for others.  As the shepherds and Magi were led by a star to the stable, we pray

Emanuel: God-with-us,
God-for-us,
God-within-us,
show us the way.

God’s love can transform us to be that light for others, especially those for whom we did not expect to care or those we find different from ourselves.  It seems that there are so many who might benefit from the the light we could become.

Advent beckons us to watch in anticipation for the unexpected in our lives.  If we open ourselves to these moments, we can become light in the darkness for the other.

• Does fear of the unexpected and different, shut us off in self-protection, missing the blessings of the moment?  In essence, do we become part of the darkness?
• In watch, do we see all as having the potential of being a blessing in life?  Do those blessings lead us to become a light in the darkness?  A beacon of hope for others?

These prompting of grace can be any act of kindness, small or large; a positive thought, holding the door open, or providing support to someone during a difficult time.  God’s love can shine through us in so many different ways.