Indeed, You are my lamp, O Lord, the Lord lightens my darkness. (2 Samuel 22:29)
The darkness of night is so early right now. I look outside at 4:30 p.m. and the sun has almost set. These long spans of darkness are difficult for many of us. We may feel more tired and unmotivated just when the demands of life seem to be ramping up. There are Christmas cards to write and send, presents to wrap and mail, decorations to unpack and put up, and family and friends to connect with, in new or creative ways due to COVID. Yet, the effects of the darkness seem to impede us with a sense of isolation, depression, fear, anger, and greed.
As my list grows and the reality of the pandemic sets in, my energy slips away, I decide to pause my racing thoughts and sit in the darkness. In the silence, I light a candle. I see that the darkness had been an invitation to sit in silence and still my racing brain. The flicker of the flame is a reminder of the power of God’s Light in Jesus Christ. My prayers begin to pour out as I am comforted by the Light.
During this Season of Advent, may this litany inspire us:
In the hopeful light of morning with sunrise overcoming the darkness of night,
come to us once more, Light of the World.
In the mysterious beauty of a splendid sunset surrounding our souls with peace,
come to us once more, Light of the World.
In the birth of a holy child, bearing the promise of new life for all the world,
come to us once more, Light of the World.
Come to us once more, Light of the World.
Set our lives aglow with love, the reality that remains when nothing else is secure. Amen.
(Adapted from Jim Magnaw, a retired UMC pastor in East Ohio)
May this devotion provide you with a moment of faithful reflection and care. You are involved in ministries of justice and witness, in ministries of standing up and standing with people working to create better systems and communities, in ministries of learning and searching and researching to become more aware and awakened, more technologically savvy and proficient, more virtually and personally present in your churches and communities and world. Each of us who serve as members of your Wisconsin Cabinet write these devotions in grateful prayer for you – for sustenance and buoyancy, for strength and courage, for safety and just actions, and for faith and love to be full and fulfilled in your daily lives. God’s grace and blessings, God’s challenge and healthy discomfort, God’s Spirit and energy be with you, in the hope Christ offers us all.