A Blinding Light

 

During Advent, we prepare our hearts and minds afresh to receive the Christ-child. At the time in Israel when Jesus was born, the state of the Covenant People was one of spiritual darkness, isolation, and confusion. The Romans occupied and ruled the land by brute force and oppression, and most of the Jewish leaders were selfish, manipulative, and cared little for the true heart of their Covenant God. These unfaithful shepherds revelled in beliefs and narratives of their own design and the creation of their own ways of salvation, all the while using, ignoring, and burdening those who were poor, the marginalized, and the powerless. BUT in this time of darkness, Jesus was born.

This Advent, we may also feel that we are facing much darkness. We are often reminded at Christmas about those we have lost in the recent past, our own mortality, or our loneliness and isolation. Nostalgia can quickly replace the hope and future we still have as life continues to flow.

As a parish, we have bounced back from COVID admirably compared to national attendance averages but have still seen significant numerical loss. Our own diocese attendance declined 35% in average Sunday attendance in 2021 (very close to the national average in the Episcopal Church). We are recovering from the pandemic emotionally, spiritually, and physically. As committed members who love our church, we may get confused or concerned regarding the parish's future. It seems to me a great time to welcome once again the light of the world, JESUS. He has a penchant for bursting into darkness, bringing a blinding light before, with, and after Him.

When we lay aside our anxiety at the things swirling around us that we cannot control and put our hope in the wisdom, protection, and provision of our Triune God, any Christmas Season can be a time for renewed HOPE, JOY, and PEACE. This does not mean that our "feelings" will always step in line as we would hope. It means that our gracious God will lead, direct, and deliver us as He always has as His Covenant People. As we take each day as it comes, we know He will give us the support we need to get through the day before us.

We will find life, healing, and strength as we choose to obey, love, and trust our gracious Savior and Lord, the head of the church and bringer of salvation. Let us, again, this Advent and Christmas seasons prepare our hearts and joyfully celebrate our deliverance from sin and despair through our celebration of Holy Communion on Sundays, personal prayer and meditation during the week, and a continuing devotion to our Triune God. Let us offer to Him our repeated prayers of thanksgiving for the deliverance and light of the Christ-child.



Fr Tom