Every year around this time, I find myself making the same comment: “I can’t believe it gets so dark so early!” It seems no matter how many times I’ve been through the time change, it takes me forever to adjust to darkness at 5:00pm. The darkness is a bit jarring. And yet, as I have opportunities to go for walks and look to the stars, there is a beauty to the darkness as well.
“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.” These are among the first words John uses to introduce his gospel. It is also the traditional reading for Christmas Day. Not a birth narrative, which we will hear the night before. Not angels, shepherds, magi, nor even the holy family. Just the light, and a testimony to it.
Sometimes it feels like there is a lot of darkness in our world. Not just the dark of night, but darkness in our lives. Sickness and suffering, violence and vitriol, disaster and despair can all make us feel a bit lost in the dark. But the Light still shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.
Sometimes the silent nights are peaceful; other times, that silence is oppressive in its loneliness. Sometimes the holy nights are full of the presence of God; other times they just seem empty and full of holes. Sometimes the darkness is beautiful; other times it is scary. But the promise of Christmas is that whatever the night may bring, the Light still shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. The darkness will not overcome it. The darkness cannot overcome it.
May the light of Christ shine in your heart and mind as you prepare for the coming of Christ this Christmas. And may you testify to the Light, so that all who strive in the dark might have hope, love, joy, peace, and life.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Will Starkweather
Last modified: November 25, 2024