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2020 Advent Devotional – Day 18

Transform

Silent night! Holy night!
Words by Joseph Mohr, 1816

Silent night! Holy night!
Son of God, love’s pure light,
radiant beams from thy holy face,
with the dawn of redeeming grace

Video: Silent Night

Reflection

This much-loved carol is a song of surprising contrasts. For though the title and first line of each verse emphasize night, the remaining lyrics accentuate light and bright dawn. Likewise, the carol begins by depicting the stillness of nighttime, but the second verse, in particular, resounds with praise and energy. It seems that what we might expect of this night, and what we get, are not the same.

These disparities are in keeping with the origins of the piece. The author, Joseph Mohr, wrote the words in 1816 originally as a poem. Shortly after, however, he found himself preparing for a Christmas Eve service without an organ because river waters had flooded his church and damaged the instrument.

Reluctant to have Christmas Eve without music, Mohr asked his organist to compose a melody on the guitar for the poem. The guitar, however, was not an instrument approved by the Church for use in worship so, to minimize the controversy, Mohr and the organist waited until the very end of the service to play the carol. Adversity transformed into holy praise.

Fittingly then, “Silent Night” sings of the unexpected and transforming power of God’s love. This is a love that is “pure light” – love that is a beacon for us to follow, a power that will break through our darkness, a source of strength and comfort. The radiance of this light is absolute and all-conquering, as darkness falls away.

Our own times of adversity, when our music falls silent and night closes in, can be transformed by the joyous “dawn of redeeming grace.” A gift from God that affirms to us that in Jesus we have the eternal promise of a new day and a fresh start; that whatever darkness we have endured, God’s love will rescue us from it and shine into our hearts as a radiant beam of hope.

Further reading on the history of this work: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/silent-night-celebrates-its-bicentennial-180971044/

Surprising God,
When I think the world can get no darker, your love emerges in unexpected and affirming ways. When I am certain I know the road ahead, your love upends my assumptions and transforms the path I am to take. Renew my strength each day and guide me with the radiant love of Jesus Christ. Dawn in my heart, O Lord, and shine into the world to bring comfort and hope. Amen.

Reading

Silent night! Holy night!

Silent night! Holy night!
All is calm, all is bright
’round yon virgin mother and child.
Holy infant, so tender and mild,
sleep in heavenly peace,
sleep in heavenly peace.

Silent night! Holy night!
Shepherds quake at the sight!
Glories stream from heaven afar,
heav’nly hosts sing alleluia;
Christ, the Savior, is born!
Christ, the Savior, is born!

Silent night! Holy night!
Son of God, love’s pure light,
radiant beams from thy holy face,
with the dawn of redeeming grace,
Jesus, Lord, at thy birth,
Jesus, Lord, at thy birth.

If you’re enjoying the carols each day, there’s now a YouTube playlist you can listen to that contains all the carols shared so far. The playlist will grow as the devotional series progresses, with each day’s carol being added. By Christmas Day, you’ll have the perfect soundtrack of worship and praise.  Click here to listen.

Thank you for joining us on this prayerful path through Advent.
Blessings and best wishes for 2021.

 

2020 Advent Devotional – Day 17

Time

Luke 2: 1; 3–7

While they were there,
the time came for the baby to be born. (Luke 2:6)

Video: Luke 2: 1; 3–7

Reflection

Time seems to be a cause for concern during Advent, but depending on who you ask the nature of the problem varies. For adults mostly, there just isn’t enough time and the days are rushing past too quickly. There’s shopping to get, food to prepare, events to attend and always a nagging feeling that we’ve forgotten something. And of course, for children, eagerly anticipating Santa and gifts, Christmas feels like it’s years away, with each day dragging by.

Time dominates our reading from Luke today, also. Human time, firstly, in the form of the decree that a census was to be taken. The decree stipulated then a time to be counted, and regardless of the inconvenience for a heavily pregnant woman to travel, Joseph and Mary went to Bethlehem. And then, as they were grappling no doubt with the logistics of registering and finding somewhere to stay, God’s time intervened.

God’s time determined that in this place and at this moment, the time would come for the baby to be born. God’s time placed the baby in the town of David and emphasized the lineage joining Jesus to David, which the angel had spoken of in Luke 1. God’s time proclaimed that this child would renew God’s covenant promise to God’s people and bring them peace.

It can be hard for us to recognize God’s time, let alone accept it, but God’s time requires us to see the world in a different way. God calls us to trust and to wait. God’s time doesn’t rush to meet our human whims but asks us to have faith in God’s love. It challenges us to find meaning in the waiting and to seek out purpose on the way. God’s time calls us to embrace the journey of this Advent season and give thanks for each day.

Reassuring God,
With my human perspective of the world, I struggle to remember your time amidst my impatience and self-focused demands. Help me to be more accepting of the journey through life, and to find purpose and meaning in each day. Slow me when I try to rush ahead and guide me to recognize your presence in my life, each and every day. Help me always to trust in your patient love. Amen.

Reading

Luke 2: 1; 3–7

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. And everyone went to their own town to register. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

If you’re enjoying the carols each day, there’s now a YouTube playlist you can listen to that contains all the carols shared so far. The playlist will grow as the devotional series progresses, with each day’s carol being added. By Christmas Day, you’ll have the perfect soundtrack of worship and praise.  Click here to listen.

Thank you for joining us on this prayerful path through Advent.
Blessings and best wishes for 2021.

 

2020 Advent Devotional – Day 16

Comfort

Somewhere a Child Is Sleeping
Words and music by Frank Mills, 1992

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing,
so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. (Romans 15:13)

Video: Somewhere a Child Is Sleeping

Reflection

There’s a risk when anything becomes too familiar, that it starts to be taken for granted; that in the repetition of a Scripture passage or teaching, we can start to lose the meaning in it.

The Christmas story is not immune to this danger, and the more we hear the angel announcing, “A savior, who is Christ the Lord,” perhaps the less we think about just what is being promised here. The astounding promise of salvation can begin to feel rather abstract and distant; a gift for the world hereafter and not the here and now.

One of the joys of Frank Mills’ soothing lyrics, then, is the way in which they expand the promise of God and remind us of the many dimensions of the good news of Jesus Christ. Listen closely to the words in the middle of the carol and we can hear the Christmas blessing that recognizes the gritty reality of our lives and confronts the coldness of the world.

For we do live in a world of trouble and sadness, and our remembering the birth of Jesus should not gloss over that. Instead, as with the weariness of Joseph and Mary travelling to Bethlehem, God embraces our weariness and offers us rest. As with the hurting and struggling people Jesus fed and taught and healed, God’s love is there to comfort us. And for all of us who don’t know what the next day will bring, God’s love promises us hope.

The good news of Jesus isn’t an esoteric promise waiting for us at the end of our lives. Rather, the good news of Jesus is that our lives right now are transformed by God’s love, witnessed in the life of Jesus, and shared with us through the Holy Spirit. Throughout every cold and dark night we face, God is with us, giving us comfort and peace.

Caring God,
You watch over me with a tender and gentle love, holding me close and offering me peace. When I am weary, your love is there to soothe and sustain me, giving me the endurance to face my sorrow and pain. Renew me with the comfort of your presence in my life. Remind me that you are with me always, walking by my side as I greet the coming day. Amen.

If you’re enjoying the carols each day, there’s now a YouTube playlist you can listen to that contains all the carols shared so far. The playlist will grow as the devotional series progresses, with each day’s carol being added. By Christmas Day, you’ll have the perfect soundtrack of worship and praise.  Click here to listen.

Thank you for joining us on this prayerful path through Advent.
Blessings and best wishes for 2021.

 

2020 Advent Devotional – Day 15

Service

The angel Gabriel from heaven came
Basque carol, 18th century; paraphrased by Sabine Baring-Gould

“Of her, Emmanuel, the Christ, was born” 

Video: Gabriel’s Message

Reflection

Gabriel’s Message is an understated and gentle tribute to Mary, the mother of God. Through the soothing and modulated melody – never so slow as to be somber, but equally not giddy or excited, not rushing to joy – the piece captures perfectly the sense of thoughtful acceptance of Mary’s response to God.

The humble and subdued nature of Mary are further emphasized by the contrast made with the angel’s words of praise and honour. Together though, like the softness of snow and the blazing energy of flame, they affirm the glory of God’s abiding love.

In a similar way, Mary’s monumental service is encapsulated in the simplest of lines: “Of her, Emmanuel, the Christ, was born.” Of her. Such small words to channel such immense love, both Mary’s act of love and devotion in serving God in this way, and God’s gift of love for the world.

Of her, the life and teaching of Jesus is made possible. Of her, healing, love, and compassion are renewed in the world. Of her, the poor and insignificant are lifted up and honoured, as God’s love upends the expectations of the world of what a messiah would be.

And because of Mary perhaps, our idea of serving God can be renewed and lifted up. Mary’s service starts quite simply with who and where she is; God takes all that she is – and isn’t – and with God that will always be more than enough. For us too: no matter who we are or wherever we find ourselves, God can take our lives and use them to serve God’s gift of love. If we, like Mary, will allow the possibility of God’s greatness, what might just be born of us?

Empowering God,
Bless me with your love and call me into your service. No matter who I am and wherever I may be, let your greatness empower me to reach out to those places in need in your world. Out of me, may compassion flow, may the overlooked be lifted up, may justice be born. Inspire and strengthen me to glorify you in my life. Amen.

Reading: The angel Gabriel from heaven came

The angel Gabriel from heaven came,
With wings as drifted snow, his eyes as flame.
“All hail,” said he, “O lowly maiden Mary,
Most highly favored lady.” Gloria!

“For known a blessed Mother thou shalt be,
All generations laud and honour thee,
Thy Son shall be Emmanuel, by seers foretold.
“Most highly favored lady.” Gloria!

Then gentle Mary meekly bowed her head.
“To me be as it pleases God,” she said.
“My soul shall laud and magnify God’s holy name.”
Most highly favored lady. Gloria!

Of her, Emmanuel, the Christ, was born
In Bethlehem, all on a Christmas morn.
And Christian folk throughout the world will ever say:
“Most highly favored lady.” Gloria!

If you’re enjoying the carols each day, there’s now a YouTube playlist you can listen to that contains all the carols shared so far. The playlist will grow as the devotional series progresses, with each day’s carol being added. By Christmas Day, you’ll have the perfect soundtrack of worship and praise.  Click here to listen.

Thank you for joining us on this prayerful path through Advent.
Blessings and best wishes for 2021.

 

2020 Advent Devotional – Day 14

Fulfilled

Luke 1: 26–35; 38

I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered.
“May your word to me be fulfilled.” (Luke 1:38)

Video: Luke 1: 26–35; 38

Reflection

This reading from Luke’s Gospel incorporates a wide range of emotions for Mary. Starting with uncertainty and anxiety and rapidly shifting to outright fear, Mary is overwhelmed by the magnitude of all the angel has to say to her.

The angel’s words form a stark contrast with Mary’s initial reaction. The angel’s blessings are met with Mary’s sense of unworthiness; where the angel is certain, Mary is unsure and questioning. Even as the angel speaks of eternal greatness, Mary is constrained by her sense of insignificance.

The conversation emphasizes the difference between human frailty and the divine. Yet as the divine overflows Mary, God’s divine Spirit brings her to certainty. Mary affirms her willingness to serve, to accept God’s purpose for her life. And she appeals to God that all that has been spoken will be fulfilled.

In English (albeit not in Luke’s original Greek) the word fulfilled has two similar-but-different interpretations, which can bring an added dimension to how we think about this reading. Our immediate thought is to read Mary’s response as a statement of acceptance –Mary offering herself in tribute to God’s love and to accept God’s promise.

But we can also layer on to Mary’s affirmation an additional meaning, by thinking about the way in which fulfilled can also mean satisfied and content. Too often, the act of serving God and following God’s will is described as sacrificial and needing effort and tenacity.

But what if instead we think of this as nourishing and fulfilling. Serving God, then, is not a duty or an obligation but a gift. The opportunity to connect with the essence of who we are and how we came to be; to renew ourselves with joy and contentment. Through God’s love, we are fulfilled.

Renewing God,
Encourage me with your comfort and strength to follow your way and to recognize your calling to me. Inspire me to serve you with the core of my being, finding delight and joy in the offering I can make. Accept me where I am and use me for your healing and care in the world today. Empower me to live with courage and reflect your love. Amen.

Reading

Luke 1: 26–35; 38

In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favoured! The Lord is with you.”

Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be.  But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favour with God.  You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus.  He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David,  and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”

“How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”

The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called[a] the Son of God.

“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.

If you’re enjoying the carols each day, there’s now a YouTube playlist you can listen to that contains all the carols shared so far. The playlist will grow as the devotional series progresses, with each day’s carol being added. By Christmas Day, you’ll have the perfect soundtrack of worship and praise.  Click here to listen.

Thank you for joining us on this prayerful path through Advent.
Blessings and best wishes for 2021.

 

2020 Advent Devotional – Day 13

Welcome

Welcome to Our World
Words by Chris Rice, 1995

Video: Welcome to Our World

Reflection

The opening lines of Chris Rice’s contemporary carol invoke the spirit of pain and longing from yesterday’s reading. This is indeed a broken world, filled with hurt and heartache. This is a world that – just as it did for the people of Israel – longs to hear from God. In our individual lives perhaps as well, far too often our days echo with the absence of God.

Do we want to admit that the so-called silence is all on our side? For how can we hear God with the cacophony of violence ricocheting around the world? When do we stop to listen amidst the clamour of competing priorities, the noise of the endless demands of ‘busy’? And how easily we are deceived by the silence created when doors are shut by resentment and understanding closed off by anger? With so many barriers in the way, is it any wonder that we cannot always hear God?

It is a bleak and conflicted world that we entreat Jesus to enter, and yet that is exactly what he does. Whenever we offer our hearts as a home for Christ, God’s love and spirit mercifully responds. Whenever we bring our hungry souls for sustenance, God’s grace nourishes and renews us. None of us is so humble, like a manger so shabby or bruised, that Jesus does not willingly abide there.

Softly and gently perhaps, Jesus accepts our invitation and enfolds us in God’s love. Healing our pain, walking by our side, this holy Son of God extends to us an ever-present invitation to blessedness; a place grounded in this world, not of divine perfection, but of divine acceptance. Our Christmas miracle is that even as we call out to Jesus to meet us here, he is already waiting to welcome us to this world transformed by God’s love and peace.

Welcoming God,
You bless me with your unending care, persisting with me even when I turn aside. Quieten the noise in my life that I might better sense your healing presence. Still the demands of my self-interest that I might know your nourishing strength. Silence the inadequacy and doubts in my mind that I can recognize your enduring acceptance. Make a home in my heart, that I might welcome your sustaining love. Amen.

Reading

The lyrics to this piece can be found online at websites such as: Michael W. Smith – Welcome To Our World Lyrics | AZLyrics.com

If you’re enjoying the carols each day, there’s now a YouTube playlist you can listen to that contains all the carols shared so far. The playlist will grow as the devotional series progresses, with each day’s carol being added. By Christmas Day, you’ll have the perfect soundtrack of worship and praise.  Click here to listen.

Thank you for joining us on this prayerful path through Advent.
Blessings and best wishes for 2021.

 

2020 Advent Devotional – Day 12

Spirit

Isaiah 11: 1–3a; 4a; 6–9

The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him—
the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding
With righteousness he will judge the needy,
with justice he will give decisions for the poor of the earth.
(Isaiah 11: 2a, 4a)

Video: Isaiah 11: 1–3a; 4a; 6–9

Reflection

This year, perhaps more than before, the reading from Isaiah echoes a craving within us for things to be different. We don’t need to look far to see the “poor of the earth,” and the further we do look, the more poverty we can find. Our communities surge with the needy seeking recovery, while many of our own lives are weighed down by unmet needs.

All the while – allegorically – the ever-present fear of a cobra’s den or a viper’s nest wait ominously, and wolves indeed circle our lambs. Financial insecurity, mental health, loneliness, physical illness and disease – we are besieged with anxiety and uncertainty – while we seem to be living in a world determined to become more divided, more entrenched in our views, more determined to think only of ourselves.

In this environment of suspicion and greed, of chaos and upheaval, God promises us a different way. God promises us his Spirit in the person of Jesus Christ. Through Jesus, we are called to a life guided by wisdom and understanding – wisdom to recognize the needs of our communities, understanding to address the needs in our lives.

Led by the teaching and healing of Jesus, we are empowered to answer the cries for help from around the world, near and far, and to advocate for deep, loving justice – not an individualistic world that champions each one for themselves, but a world of compassion that seeks to make every one of us whole.

Embraced by the love and acceptance of Jesus, we are met by a God who sees our needs and sends his Spirit to nurture and strengthen us. And through his loving presence, we too can perceive the Spirit of the Lord and follow it all our days.

Sustaining God,
Surrounded by the pain and despair of the world, help me find the way of Jesus the Christ. Guide me through your Spirit to recognize the needs in the world around me. Strengthen me with your Spirit to answer these cries and establish your divine justice. Lead me with your Spirit to appreciate your presence in my life and to feel your healing love. Amen.

Reading

Isaiah 11: 1–3a; 4a; 6–9

A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse;
from his roots a Branch will bear fruit.
The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him—
the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding,
the Spirit of counsel and of might,
the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the Lord—
and he will delight in the fear of the Lord.

He will not judge by what he sees with his eyes,
or decide by what he hears with his ears;
but with righteousness he will judge the needy,
with justice he will give decisions for the poor of the earth.
He will strike the earth with the rod of his mouth;
with the breath of his lips he will slay the wicked.

The wolf will live with the lamb,
the leopard will lie down with the goat,
the calf and the lion and the yearling together;
and a little child will lead them.
The cow will feed with the bear,
their young will lie down together,
and the lion will eat straw like the ox.
The infant will play near the cobra’s den,
and the young child will put its hand into the viper’s nest.
They will neither harm nor destroy
on all my holy mountain,
for the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the Lord
as the waters cover the sea.

If you’re enjoying the carols each day, there’s now a YouTube playlist you can listen to that contains all the carols shared so far. The playlist will grow as the devotional series progresses, with each day’s carol being added. By Christmas Day, you’ll have the perfect soundtrack of worship and praise.  Click here to listen.

Thank you for joining us on this prayerful path through Advent.
Blessings and best wishes for 2021.

 

2020 Advent Devotional – Day 11

Glory

And the Glory of the Lord (Messiah)
Words by Charles Jennens; music by George Frideric Handel, 1741

“And the glory, the glory of the Lord
Shall be revealed”

Video: And the Glory of the Lord (Messiah)

Reflection

This magnificent – vigorous, demanding, uplifting – excerpt from Handel’s Messiah is pure worship. From the underlying piano, gracefully supporting the choir, to the challenging range asked of the singers, stretching our human endeavour in service of God. From the soaring high notes of the sopranos, reaching right up to the heavens, to the grounding solidity of the basses. This is indeed worship; palpable, breath-taking worship

In terms of its word length, this is the shortest carol we encounter this Advent; just four lines. And yet the repetition of the lyrics, layering over each other, weaving together, creates a crescendo of praise, emphasising the majesty of the divine. The composition captures the essence of what it means to glorify God, even as it is offered as a tribute to God.

Listen to the piece more than once and different words take on added emphasis, emerging from the blend of music and lyrics to resonate and plant themselves in our hearts and minds. ‘Glory’ often dominates, as you might expect; its repetition an affirmation of the praise being offered in song. ‘Flesh’ reverberates along with ‘together’; expressing the divine union of God made man, joined with humankind, worshipping the gift of Christ.

At some points, the notes reach such heights that the words themselves are almost lost in the musical complexity; overwhelmed by the power of the composition. Worship at its purest, when the words fade, and we are immersed into the majesty and glory of the piece.

One lyric stands out as it evades the weaving of the rest of the piece to stand alone. “For the mouth of the Lord has spoken it.” As the praise reaches its conclusion, the contrasting and diverse voices rejoin to form one emphatic statement, affirming God’s word. A truth spoken, unambiguous and enduring. Here is the glory of God, given to the world, Jesus the Christ.

Magnificent God,
Your love for me defies mere words and escapes the limitations of my human comprehension. My worship strains to reach the heights of your eternal grace. Help me see beyond myself and my self-interest to sense the awe and majesty of the gift of your Son. Kindle in my heart the radiant warmth of your care for me, and raise my prayers to join in a crescendo of praise, proclaiming your almighty power. Amen.

Reading

And the Glory of the Lord (Messiah)

And the glory, the glory of the Lord
Shall be re-veal-ed
And all flesh shall see it together
For the mouth of the Lord has spoken it.

If you’re enjoying the carols each day, there’s now a YouTube playlist you can listen to that contains all the carols shared so far. The playlist will grow as the devotional series progresses, with each day’s carol being added. By Christmas Day, you’ll have the perfect soundtrack of worship and praise.  Click here to listen.

Thank you for joining us on this prayerful path through Advent.
Blessings and best wishes for 2021.

 

2020 Advent Devotional – Day 10

Hope

Jesus, Light of the World Has Come
Words and music by Ruth Elaine Schram, 2014

Jesus said, “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)

Video: Jesus, Light of the World Has Come

Reflection

Ruth Schram’s carol, “Jesus, Light of the World has Come” takes the essence of yesterday’s reading and expresses it in glorious, joyous melody. This is praise, leaping from the page and into our hearts, inspiring and expanding our worship. This is joy, resounding through every note; a musical delight to lift the spirits, to warm and gladden the soul.

This is hope, lifting us up with every line, rising along with the music. God in human form, God’s promise of hope and peace and joy is now a child, given to us to be Emmanuel, to be God with us. The excitement and optimism that this promise evokes dances through the music, bringing delight to lift our spirits and dispel the gloom.

The promise of Isaiah that we read yesterday echoes through the lyrics: this tiny child has been born for us. “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Through the life of Jesus, his teaching and healing, we have a wonderful counselor and prince of peace; through his resurrection, we are given a mighty God and everlasting love. When we reconnect to and affirm the manifestation of these promises, we are given the hope and assurance of Emmanuel – God with us.

Let the exhilarating energy of the music soak into your being and lift you up. Let your heart be renewed by the abundance of God’s promise to us. And as we anticipate and remember the fulfilment of this promise in the form of Christ, let God’s eternal love bring you hope.

Inspiring God,
Lift me up with your sustaining love. When despair seeks to drag me down, rescue me and remind me of your majestic power. When loneliness isolates me, comfort me with your presence by my side. When I lose my way, guide me back to your path, proclaiming the healing love of Christ. Renew me each day with your eternal love and everlasting care. Amen.

If you’re enjoying the carols each day, there’s now a YouTube playlist you can listen to that contains all the carols shared so far. The playlist will grow as the devotional series progresses, with each day’s carol being added. By Christmas Day, you’ll have the perfect soundtrack of worship and praise.  Click here to listen.

Thank you for joining us on this prayerful path through Advent.
Blessings and best wishes for 2021.

2020 Advent Devotional – Day 9

Dawn

Isaiah 9: 2; 6–7

The people walking in darkness
have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of deep darkness
a light has dawned. (Isaiah 9:2)

Video: Isaiah 9: 2; 6–7

Reflection

In the northern hemisphere, this reading from Isaiah always suits Advent, as the days get shorter and world darkens towards the winter solstice. This year though, with the turmoil and uncertainty of the last 8-9 months, perhaps we all feel as though we are “people walking in darkness.”

Our darkness may be personal and very close to home: grief, illness or anxiety, the days before us bristling with uncertainty. Others can be worn down with the weight of the world: fraught with the political turmoil and divisiveness we are living through, overwhelmed by the health crisis engulfing the world, stressed by the threats posed by our changing climate. Like the Israelites before us, and many people since, we are certainly “living in the land of deep darkness.”

It is a much-quoted truism that only in darkness can one see the stars, but the hope that light brings to us in our darkness cannot be overstated. And this is the promise of our reading: for us, as we walk in darkness, there will dawn a great light.

Let the majesty of this verse meet us in our darkness. This is not the light of a candle stub, flickering its last; nor that of a distant star perhaps fighting the light pollution of our world. This is a great light, wonderful and mighty. A light with the power to vanquish our darkness, blazing to the depths of our lives and of our hearts.

This is the light of Christ. The everlasting light that dawns in us every morning, renewing us, bringing God’s strength and peace for us to face each fresh day. The eternal light that guides and comforts us through each long night when dawn feels remote and out of reach.

Radiant God,
Reach out to the parts of me that are shut off from you and bring me back to the fullness of life. Where I am in pain, soothe me with the reassurance that you are with me always. When I lose hope, inspire me to remember that nothing is impossible for you. If all around me, I see nothing but darkness, ignite the blazing glory of your love for me. Amen.

Reading

Isaiah 9: 2; 6–7

The people walking in darkness
have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of deep darkness
a light has dawned.

For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the greatness of his government and peace
there will be no end.
He will reign on David’s throne
and over his kingdom,
establishing and upholding it
with justice and righteousness
from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the Lord Almighty
will accomplish this.

If you’re enjoying the carols each day, there’s now a YouTube playlist you can listen to that contains all the carols shared so far. The playlist will grow as the devotional series progresses, with each day’s carol being added. By Christmas Day, you’ll have the perfect soundtrack of worship and praise.  Click here to listen.

Thank you for joining us on this prayerful path through Advent.
Blessings and best wishes for 2021.

 
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