Waiting in Advent is an invitation to keep looking for the light. This life of faith asks us to trust that our God will be faithful to provide all the light we need for where we are right now, in this present moment. Sometimes we are given glimmers of light upon the horizon and even then we do not always perceive it with our eyes. Sometimes it is a knowing in our spirit. And sometimes it seems as if it is only the Spirit which propels us to follow it. This is the vulnerable life of faith. The Father, Son and Holy Spirit will provide all the light we need to live in.
Isaiah 42:1-9 (TMG)
“Take a good look at my servant. I’m backing him to the hilt.
He’s the one I chose, and I couldn’t be more pleased with him.
I’ve bathed him with my Spirit, my life. He’ll set everything right among the nations.
He won’t call attention to what he does with loud speeches or gaudy parades.
He won’t brush aside the bruised and the hurt and he won’t disregard the small and insignificant, but he’ll steadily and firmly set things right.
He won’t tire out and quit. He won’t be stopped
until he’s finished his work—to set things right on earth.
Far-flung ocean islands wait expectantly for his teaching.”
GOD’s Message, the God who created the cosmos, stretched out the skies,
laid out the earth and all that grows from it,
Who breathes life into earth’s people, makes them alive with his own life:
“I am GOD. I have called you to live right and well.
I have taken responsibility for you, kept you safe.
I have set you among my people to bind them to me,
and provided you as a lighthouse to the nations,
To make a start at bringing people into the open, into light:
opening blind eyes,
releasing prisoners from dungeons,
emptying the dark prisons.
I am GOD. That’s my name. I don’t franchise my glory, don’t endorse the no-god idols.
Take note: The earlier predictions of judgment have been fulfilled.
I’m announcing the new salvation work.
Before it bursts on the scene, I’m telling you all about it.”
Jesus once again addressed them: “I am the world’s Light. No one who follows me stumbles around in the darkness. I provide plenty of light to live in.” John 8:12
The City doesn’t need sun or moon for light. God’s Glory is its light, the Lamb its lamp! The nations will walk in its light and earth’s kings bring in their splendor. Rev. 21:24
For Reflection and Prayer:
If something captured your attention – a word, a phrase, an image – let this simmer in you and allow the Spirit to expand its meaning for you. Journal what you hear and your response.
Reflect on your own experience of light and darkness. How do you experience Christ with you in darkness and in the light? Bring this into your prayer.
Savor any consoling words or images given to you. Pause to rest in God’s care.
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