Light of the World

We sat in stacked stadium seats. The arena was quite full, and I pressed up against his arm because the stranger next to me was rather overlapping the confines of her own seat. Darkness came suddenly, and there was a hushed waiting. The first chords reverberated deep into our bellies and streams of light in red, green and white flashed all around. The concert had begun.

This particular Christmas concert is one that we’ve enjoyed before, and we purchased the tickets this year as an early present to ourselves. The experience is quite overwhelming to the senses with electric music and throbbing lights. There are even some fire bursts at strategic moments. It might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it delights us to reminisce with a little tongue in cheek and think on the days when we were young and a little wild.

Sitting in utter darkness and being surprised by a sudden display of light and sound is a most thrilling experience. At least it is thrilling when you are prepared for it.

As we are now in the second week of Advent, we have been pondering the darkness and the silence of the age before Jesus came. Imagine the slow dawning reality that God was no longer sending His word to convict, to prod, to encourage and to enlighten. Imagine having to remember His words and His commands and having to cling to hope of fulfilled prophecy without knowing how long the wait would be. And yet, His word has remained, and His word has been proved true. Jesus came.

The light of the world and the light of life pierced the darkness. All of heaven resounded with praise and proclaimed peace on earth and good will toward men. O blessed Savior, who took away the sin of the world. Forgiveness is real and faith embraces it. We no longer need stumble in the darkness.

Dear One, have you need of light? Are there situations or relationships that seem couched in darkness? Only light a small flame to see the gloom recede. Only receive the light of the world to see the shadows slip away. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made.  In him was life, and the life was the light of men.  The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” (John 1:1-5 ESV)

Until next week, beloved, open your heart to the Light of life and see darkness dispelled.