Yearning for the Light (12/17/2024)

The darkness of the season lifts so late in the morning and comes again to cloak the earth so early. This time of year, I truly find myself yearning for light, longing for more hours of sunshine, gravitating to the lights of the town square. My spiritual journey and physical journey overlap as I make preparations for the birth of the Son, the Light of the World. My mind tells me the shortest day is less than a week away, and that after that the darkness’ claim to my day will diminish daily. We are created in the brilliance of pure love. Is it any wonder we crave the light?

“I am the light of the world.” Jesus tells us this. He is truly a light no darkness can put out, not even the darkness of a tomb. He is a beacon who illuminates our path; and our path is Him, for He is also the Way. And I watch as my Jewish brothers and sister also prepare for a holy season of light, for Hannukah. And I know we share one LORD, and I know this LORD unites us in our desire to be instruments of the LORD’s illuminating love.

As we light our trees for the season, let us not forget the reason for the season, the One whom we celebrate, our LORD, Jesus Christ. As we light our Advent wreaths let us consider the true gift we await, the Son of our LORD.

As the days continue to shorten this week, let us allow the yearning for the Light to stir within us, the yearning for our Savior, Jesus Christ. And let us consider how we might more perfectly reflect the light of Christ in our world for love of Him and love of one another.

Until tomorrow, let us all love well.