Bishop Mary shares a prayer for Advent, as we look to the Christmas lights around us as reminders of a hope for December and beyond.
I
'm recording this short Advent message at about four o'clock in the afternoon. It's a moment when people all around the country are holding similar conversations. Some people are saying, 'Look how dark it is already!' And other people are saying, 'I can't believe how early it gets dark!'
The clocks change of course every year. The days in December always get darker, and yet somehow we're surprised by this.
It's not only the shortening of the days that can make the world feel darker. We only have to watch the news to hear about stories of conflict, to see the aftermath of natural disaster, to feel that the world is more difficult, bleaker, darker than we would like. And then in our own lives, we can feel the darkness come closer to us as family and friends suffer illness or bereavement or struggle with their mental health or have concerns about redundancy or housing. These too can make us feel that we are walking in darkness.
And so I always really look forward to that moment when in carol services we hear those great words from Isaiah;
'The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.'
As Christian people, we know this light is not one that we can make appear because we flick a switch or strike a match. We know that this light is the person of Jesus Christ, the person who, as the prologue to John's gospel tells us, was the true light which enlightens everyone.
My prayer for you is that as you light the Advent candles in church, as you hold on to a lighted Christingle, or a candle at a carol service, as you enjoy the Christmas tree lights in your own home or drive around your neighbourhood and see the lights on our streets and houses, my hope and prayer is that those smaller lights will point you to the great light, to Jesus, who is coming into the world. That light assures us that even if we walk through the darkest valley, we are accompanied. And that light shining in Bethlehem is a promise that one day the whole world will blaze with the glory of God when the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords returns as he promises to establish his just and peaceful rule.
I pray that every time you see these beautiful Christmas lights, you would be filled not only with wonder, but also with hope. Because in the darkness, you are accompanied. And one day, the darkness will be overcome with brilliant light. I pray for a good Advent for you, a time of watching and waiting. And then when it comes, the happiest of Christmas, because the light has come into the world.
Each week of Advent, one of our bishops is sharing their own thoughts for the season. Catch up on Bishop Gavin's here.