Words of Reflection
Yesterday was the shortest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. Starting today, each day gains a little more light than the last.
I never appreciated the idea of longer days until we first moved to Scotland in 1994. When the dead of winter hit that first year, it became a real struggle as the sun would begin to disappear mid-afternoon, leaving it completely dark by early evening. I learned quickly that it could have a profound effect on my mood and spirit. This reality of living here in December was captured well in this post I saw online yesterday:
It’s funny because it’s true
Of course, we know that Jesus probably wasn’t born in December. It’s unlikely that the Roman census would take place in winter, when travel would be more difficult. The fact that the shepherds were in the fields at night points to it more likely being spring. And yet the early church chose December 25th for the celebration of Jesus’ birth. Why is that?
There are a lot of reasons behind that decision, but the one that resonates most with me is that the early church leaders saw great symbolism in proclaiming the coming of God’s light at the time when the darkness in much of the world is most intense. It was a way of demonstrating in a literal way the truth of Isaiah’s prophecy:
“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 (NIV)
This Advent imagery of light coming into darkness is lived out in many ways during the season. The most common expression is one you might see on Sundays in worship with the lighting of Advent candles. In a few days many of us will gather in churches for a Christmas Eve Candlelight Service. These are precious traditions, but for me they hit even more powerfully these past few years because the darkness seems so strong right now. Not only in a literal sense, but you can feel a darkness of spirit and soul in so many these days. Perhaps you even feel it yourself. Even those of you reading these from the Southern Hemisphere, while it may not be the case outside, can no doubt sense the darkness that threatens to overwhelm us within.
With that in mind, today you are invited to a different kind of song reflection. Today’s song is not a carol or even a traditional worship song. It is simply a verse of Scripture set to music. But perhaps as we approach Christmas this week we need to simply sit with this promise of Scripture: that in Jesus was life and light. Whatever darkness is threatening the world or our soul, it shall not have the final word.
Scripture for Meditation:
” In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.
The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”—John 1:4-5 (NRSV)
Song: John 8:12
I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.
You are the light of the world. Whoever follows you will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.
Questions for Contemplation:
What darkness do you sense in the world right now? In your own soul? How is God inviting you to prayer in the midst of that darkness? How is he demonstrating his light?
Spend some time in intercessory prayer for those you know who are experiencing darkness in a profound way right now: those for whom this season reminds them of loss and can stir a deep level of sadness or loneliness. Pray that God’s light would be shown to them in new, unexpected, and powerful ways.
Read this verse slowly and prayerfully. How does it speak to you as we approach Christmas?
“For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.”—2 Corinthians 4:6 (NIV)