The Coming Light

Each year liturgical calendars and our little family celebrate Advent, a practice in which we anticipate the coming of the Christ child. I'd be lying if I said this year I was anywhere near on the ball with our selected readings, reflective hymns or even a still heart with which to welcome the Savior. Blame it on life with a 3.5 month old, or a busy schedule, or recent days clouded by family sickness, but I know better. My heart is anywhere but journeying to worship the newborn King, and in light of recent news events both near and far the darkness seems near impenetrable. 

And yet I find this to be the exact reason we (I) desperately need Advent. We need to be reminded that in the midst of long days and unspeakable tragedy, there is a promise of coming light. As I look at the yet to be used advent wreath in my living room I am reminded that for both myself and those around me, we desperately need what these candles represent.

First, is the candle of prophecy and hope. Hope is what meets us when we're on our knees overcome by the darkness, and stirs us to get up, believing that somehow, somewhere, redemption is promised. It prompts us to simply get up, and put one foot in front of the other along the path. Next is the candle of peace, that gently guides us to grope our way on the road to Bethlehem, and somehow assures us that even though the darkness is still thick, we and the world around us will somehow be ok. Following is the candle of joy that beckons as we stumble along the way and we begin to see even the smallest sliver of light along the horizon. Just enough light that assures us that yes, the dawn of a new day surely is coming, and those promised mercies will be new yet again. The fourth candle of love motivates us to break into a full on sprint, and as the light crests over the horizon we know that in fact the long awaited hope is here, filling our hearts with love unspeakable. And finally, we are stilled in our tracks at the last symbolic candle, the Christ candle. The Savior himself. It is here that we sit astounded with the shepherds as the skies of our life are filled with rejoicing and angels clamoring "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!" It is now that the darkness is obliterated, and our eyes and souls are blinded by the power of His glory and the truth of His promises fulfilled.

Wherever we sit this day, in mourning of innocence shattered, overwhelmed by the thick weight of whatever our individual darkness may be, or just with a heart downcast feigning ignorance to the Light, it still comes.

Hope will still be born. Peace will find us on the way. Joy will overcome us, and love will fill us anew.

He is here.

He has come.

Glory, glory to the newborn King.