The Light in the Darkness: Advent Day Twenty Three 23/12/24

Welcome to day 23 of this advent devotional series. Today as we ready ourselves for Christmas, let's turn back to what we are truly preparing our hearts for, Jesus entering as the light we need. We might think we've conquered darkness in our modern world of constant connectivity and digital screens. Yet many of us feel more profound inner darkness than ever - anxiety about the future, loneliness in our hyper-connected world, or uncertainty in these challenging times. The tradition of Advent speaks to these very modern struggles, offering ancient wisdom for contemporary hearts.

When I scroll through news headlines or witness the struggles of friends and family, I'm reminded how much we still need light in our darkness. The season of Advent arrives just when the natural world grows darkest - at least in the Northern hemisphere - and this timing feels deeply meaningful. Just as we reach for our phones' flashlights or flip on bright LEDs to illuminate our physical darkness, we're invited to seek a deeper kind of light.

Historical Context

It is interesting that the word "Advent" comes from the Latin "adventus," meaning "coming" or "arrival." Our ancestors, without electricity or artificial light, understood darkness intimately. They watched anxiously as days grew shorter, hoping for the sun's return. Similarly, Christ is the ultimate fulfilment of humanity's longing for divine light. Today, we might not fear the literal darkness of winter as our ancestors did, but we understand all too well the metaphorical darkness of depression, division, or despair.

Scripture's Illuminating Words

The prophet Isaiah's words resonate powerfully today:

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)

Think about those moments when you've felt lost or overwhelmed - perhaps struggling with mental or physical health, facing a difficult diagnosis, or wrestling with doubt. These words remind us that light can break through even our deepest darkness.

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)

Jesus' declaration isn't just a theological statement - it's an invitation to find hope in our personal darkness. Whether that darkness is anxiety about climate change, political polarisation, or personal struggles, this promise of light speaks to our contemporary hearts.

Wisdom from the Saints

St. Francis of Assisi's words, "All the darkness in the world cannot extinguish the light of a single candle," take on new meaning in our age of social media and global awareness. When we're bombarded with news of suffering and conflict worldwide, this simple truth reminds us that even small acts of kindness and hope matter. Your encouraging text to a friend, your patient listening to someone struggling, your choice to remain hopeful - these are candles in the darkness.

Personal steps

1. Light a candle each morning during your prayer time, letting it remind you of Christ's presence
2. Reach out to someone going through a dark time with a message of hope
3. Keep a gratitude journal noting moments of "light" in your daily life

Today’s reflection

• Where do you see darkness in your life that needs Christ's light?
• How can you be a bearer of light to others this Advent season?
• What shadows of doubt or fear can you invite Christ's light to illuminate?

A Prayer for Light

Lord of Light, In this Advent season, we come to You like winter-weary travellers seeking warmth. Illuminate our path, dispel our fears, and kindle within us the flame of hope. Help us not only to receive Your light but to reflect it to others. Amen.

Your Invitation

Today, identify one area of darkness in your life or community where you can be a bearer of Christ's light. Take one small, concrete step toward bringing hope to that situation.

God bless,

Mel