Message from the Pastor - Darkness

Darkness

Stores are playing “Joy to the World,” Starbucks is serving Gingerbread Chai Lattes, and trees are aglow with radiant lights. We are rushing full force toward Christmas. Soon, we will be lighting candles and hearing John declare, “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overtake it.” (John 1:5) 

Our towns and cities are filled with images of bustle and brightness. Yet the coming of the Christ child does not occur amid a splash of artificial light but in the stillness of night’s darkness. 

In the Northern Hemisphere, the season of Advent—the four weeks leading up to Christmas—coincides with some of the longest nights of the year. We often refer to darkness in negative terms. We think of the darkness of terror in our world—in Palestine and Israel, Ukraine, and Sudan. There is also the darkness of anguish in our lives: depression, addiction, angst, illness, trauma. Such terror and anguish weigh heavily on our hearts. 

Advent is not a time to artificially light the darkness but to trust that even in its depths, God is present. God is with those who experience acts of terror and trauma, God is with those in the midst of a raging storm, God is with those who engage in acts of compassion, who march for justice, who seek to tread more gently upon our planet. God is with those who wrestle with their own dark nights of the soul. The season of Advent is a time of germination, where even in the darkness, God’s thrill of hope begins to take root. 

On Christmas Eve, we will hear Isaiah’s words: “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness—on them light has shined” (Isaiah 9:2). We will welcome the Christ child, Emmanuel—God with us—trusting that Christ is present even in the darkest corners of our lives.

Our worship services will be held at 4:30 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. Consider attending one or both of these services, and invite a family member, neighbor, or friend to join you. 

With peace, 

Donna