The Light Shines in the Darkness
Advent meditations as we wait on our Savior
It’s by design that Christmas falls on December 25th each year, just a few days after the winter solstice. “Solstice” means “sun standing” and is the day when the sun seems to stand still in the sky thereby creating the longest period of darkness visible throughout the year. Our church fathers, attuned to the rhythms of nature, chose the darkest time of year to celebrate the birth of our Savior, a beautiful reminder that Christ, the Light of the World, shines brightest in the darkness.
During the season of Advent, as we prepare our hearts to receive the greatest unmerited gift the world has ever known we wait expectantly for His Light to shine in this dark world. Advent is simply a tool to help us lift our gaze from the busyness of the season, the demands of domestic life, and remember that Christ came to earth in the form of a babe AND He will return.
As we lift our gaze to Christ during Advent, we can also confront the realities of the darkness around us—both in the world and within our families. We can all feel the darkness pressing in on our families at every turn. From news headlines to family discord, we are constantly faced with the pull towards chaos and disunity. But Christ came as the Prince of Peace. He is the Light of the World shining into the darkness that surrounds us.
Paul’s words remind us of the transformation Christ brings: from darkness into light. He calls us to reflect this light in every part of our daily lives, “for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light 9 (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true),10 and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. 11 Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. 12 For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret. 13 But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, 14 for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says,
“Awake, O sleeper,
and arise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you.” Ephesians 5:8-14
As we restfully wait for Christmas to come may we bring His goodness with us into our homes, churches, and communities so that the Light of Christ may not be hidden. The busyness of the season makes it difficult for mothers to stop and ponder the enormity of this His gift. What we can do is take time to enjoy being with our children around the tree, smile, bake cookies, make gifts, and read stories together. The light of Christ shines to children from their parents most brightly.
This Advent season, rest in His gift of Light in this dark world. We all get busy, so it’s helpful to find ways to simplify where possible, so that you are able to focus on what truly matters this holiday season— Christ Himself and family. It may help to find a quiet moment in the morning or evening to reflect on Christ and His goodness in the midst of the busyness.
Moms are the heartbeat of the home. The atmosphere of the season radiates from us. Let the light we share with our children guide them toward our Savior as we lean on His strength and joy this season. As we remember Christ’s gift — leaving glory to enter our dark world and save us — let us reflect His light in our homes, showing our children that the Prince of Peace reigns in their mother’s heart.
As we reflect on Christ’s light in the darkest season, I leave you with my favorite Christmas poem by Christina Rossetti, In the Bleak Mid-winter. Her words beautifully capture the humility of His coming and the offering of our hearts in response:
“In the bleak mid-winter
Frosty wind made moan
Earth stood hard as iron,
Water like a stone;
Snow had fallen, snow on snow,
Snow on snow,
In the bleak mid-winter
Long ago.
Our God, heaven cannot hold Him
Nor earth sustain,
Heaven and earth shall flee away
When He comes to reign:
In the bleak mid-winter
A stable-place sufficed
The Lord God Almighty —
Jesus Christ.
Enough for Him, whom cherubim
Worship night and day,
A breastful of milk
And a mangerful of hay;
Enough for Him, whom Angels
Fall down before,
The ox and ass and camel
Which adore.
Angels and Archangels
May have gathered there,
Cherubim and seraphim
Thronged the air;
But only His Mother
In her maiden bliss
Worshipped the Beloved
With a kiss.
What can I give Him,
Poor as I am? —
If I were a Shepherd
I would bring a lamb;
If I were a Wise Man
I would do my part, —
Yet what I can I give Him, —
Give my heart.”