December 11
Darkness is part of our world. War, natural disaster, murder, sexual assault, abuse, neglect, human trafficking, divorce, financial crisis, global hunger, and a host of other traumatic events remind us daily just how dark our world can be. We struggle to make sense of the darkness, when often it makes no sense at all. We blame others and we blame God for the darkness in our world. After laying out all his complaints to God, the psalmist concluded, "…darkness is my closest friend" (Psalm 88:18b).
Yet, at the end of every dark night, there is a dawn. Advent is the season of anticipation that Immanuel, "God with us," has come to be with us in the darkness. But, more than that, God overcomes darkness. Darkness has its limits; it is here for a season, but the "light of the world" has dawned, and makes all things new.
May the words of Isaiah remind you this Advent season that Christ has come to push back the darkness, in our world, and in your life:
"The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned" (Isaiah 9:2).
Nick Hamilton, D.Min, BCC, HEC-C, Director of Ethics
Mercy Hospital Oklahoma City
Pause
Where do you notice the darkness being pushed out by light in this season?
Pray
God, who is hope, shine Your light in our darkness so that we may continue to build Your kingdom. Let us be reflections of Your brilliance, always working to make Your goodness known. In Your Holy Name we pray, Amen.