O Holy Night
2002 Advent Devotion Collection
December 14
READING: John 1.1-14
. . . What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. John 1.3b-5
The sanctuary was dimly lit and all
was quiet as the congregation stood in a large circle around the perimeter
of the room. They began passing the light. First one, then a second, and
then another and another and another candle was lit, and soon the room
was transformed with the warmth and light of dozens of candles burning
brightly. I was just a young girl at the time, and many Christmas Eve
services have come and gone in the years since, but I still remember so
vividly that scene and the words which were spoken by the minister as
he held his candle high. He said, "The light from this one small
candle can overcome all the darkness in the world."
Those words come to mind and give me strength even to this day. In times of trial and doubt, in times of illness or injury, in those times when I feel most vulnerable and insecure and threatened, those words from so long ago give perspective to life and bring me hope. This Advent season is a time of preparation, not just of getting our homes ready and our gifts wrapped, but a time to prepare our hearts and our lives for the coming of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, who cannot be overcome by all the darkness of the world. There is nothing, not death, not illness, not terrorist attacks, not senseless violence that can change this truth. May the candles we see and enjoy during this season of Advent remind us of the words from John's gospel and may they bring us hope. "What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it."
PRAYER: Gracious and loving God, we thank you for your light that transforms the darkness of our world. In this season of Advent and preparation, may we so open ourselves to your grace and love that your light might shine through us, helping to illuminate the dark places and times, bringing comfort and hope and love and joy to those in our midst. Amen. -- Gretchen B.
Central Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
(217) 428-4336