Have you ever been in a place where all the lights went out and you were left standing in complete darkness?
One time when we were at my wife’s family cabin in the north woods, one of her cousins and a friend left to go for a walk on the road around the lake. It was just before sundown when they left, and when it finally turned to night, the moon was completely obscured by a dense layer of clouds. The rest of us had been sitting around the campfire when we heard cries of “HELP!” coming from the road. So, I grabbed a flashlight and headed toward the distress. And when I got to the road I shined the flashlight around and discovered the cousin and friend about 10 feet off the driveway looking disoriented. They said they forgot to take a flashlight and without the moonlight it was pitch black and they couldn’t see the road much less find the driveway to get back home.
When I first shined the flashlight on them they seemed relieved and began to laugh. It’s amazing how unnerving it can feel when all the light goes out, even if you’re close to the relative safety of loved ones or a place you know well. I wonder if you have ever been surprised by the absence of light? The light makes all the difference in the world doesn’t it?
If you want to see what Jesus means in your life, just imagine a time without him. Have you ever had that time in your life? A time before Jesus existed for you? A time before you knew about the light of the world? Was it as dark as a late night walk in the woods without a flashlight or the moon to light the way? Imagine a time before Jesus was born. Where was the hope for the world? Where was the joy? Where was the focus on love and forgiveness? There really was a time before Jesus, a time when the world was waiting, expecting, and hoping.
Each year during Advent we wait and expect and hope for the coming of Jesus while much of the world around us remains in the dark. For many, the Christmas holiday means shopping and decorating without a hint of the baby Jesus. As Christians, the center of our holiday season is the light of the world, an infant king, bringing peace.
Take a moment and consider this: What are the ways you will choose to focus on Jesus this season? How will you grow in your knowledge and presence of him? How will you show those around you the difference he has made to you and to the world?
Wishing you and yours a joy-filled Advent and Christmas season. Waiting, Expecting, Hoping.
Pastor Tony
