O house of Jacob, come,
let us walk in the light of the Lord!
Isaiah 2:5
As Advent begins we are plunged into the darkness of winter, the shortest days of the year; night comes earlier, the sun rises later.
And In this time of darkness we decorate our homes with lights, sometimes too many lights. Perhaps our way of pushing back the darkness, the anxieties of our times.
But let us consider this Advent darkness differently.
Let us consider it as a positive spiritual experience, a contemplative preparation for the Advent of Light. Our traditional Christmas story tells us that the shepherds were keeping watch in silent darkness. What does a shepherd think about during those long, cold nights keeping watch? We know that they were surprised by and surrounded by a great light. The shepherds immediately walked into the light; they were immediately drawn to the manger; they were immediately drawn to worship.
This year may the Advent darkness call us to pay closer attention, to listen more carefully, to reflect more patiently, and to pray more intently.
May the Advent darkness help us to prepare for the coming of the light, the coming of Christ, the day star which will rise in our hearts.
In the words of our reading today, come, let us walk in the light.
Practice: Take some time to sit in darkness illumined by a single candle. Quiet your racing mind and
heart and reflect on your own darkness and the light you long to experience.