The People Who Walked In Darkness Have Seen A Great Light…

While Denise and I were on our honeymoon in Ireland, we stopped at many churches of all ages, shapes and sizes. Several times we stopped along the way to light candles and to pray specifically for people we love. Even though the lighting of candles in prayer isn’t necessarily a Presbyterian thing, I found myself doing it quite often. Perhaps it was a way of visualizing the light of God’s love and healing which I was asking God to give to those we were praying for.

Either way, it is a reminder to me, this little candle flickering in a church a long way from here, that the light of Christ can and does shine in the darkness. And when you walk into a chapel or church and see the flickering of candles, you can’t help but be reminded of that light which shines in the darkness.

At tonight’s Advent Midweek Prayer service the focal point is on the obedience of Mary to God’s call in her life. However, the scripture reading from Isaiah 9:2-7, is a reminder of the promise to the people walking in darkness. I can imagine that Mary found herself in some darkness as she pondered what was happening with her life and how God’s call had changed everything for her and for Joseph too. Yet in the midst of the struggle, she obeyed… she listened to Gabriel’s message and believed. Despite the biological and scientific insanity of what Gabriel was saying, she believed. Thankfully, in the midst of darkness, a light shone brightly for Mary.

The promises for the exiles, for Mary and Joseph who would be exiles themselves following the birth of Jesus, and for us is this: “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who live in a land of deep darkness–on them the light has shined.” (Isaiah 9:2)

Right now the sun is shining and the lake is sparkling outside of my office window. Yet I know for many, despite the sunlight, darkness is very real. The darkness of fear… of depression… of sadness… of grief… of pain… of illness… of loss… of confusion… of doubt… the list goes on and on.

I take heart in the fact that despite the darkness that may crowd in, a light does shine. Sometimes you hang onto that hope and light like a drowning person hangs onto a life raft. The light is there and it is real. And I believe that hope will endure and faith will grow.

So remembering the light of a candle in a chapel in Ireland and remembering times when I have been in darkness and was searching for the light of hope and faith, I remember Mary and her response “Let it be” as she sought to follow God’s will for her. And remembering all that, I give thanks to God for the promise of that Great Light which leads us from darkness into the light of hope and peace and joy in the Lord’s presence.

May it be so, lead us Lord Jesus into the light of your grace and mercy we pray. Amen.