December 16 - In the Darkness
Our theme for this Advent devotional is "Let Your Light Shine," and I think it's very common to do a light=good, dark=bad equation, but I've lately been inspired to think about the positive qualities of darkness. In darkness the infant Jesus forms in his mother's womb. In darkness we sleep, dream and heal. In darkness all possibilities are present and the stars become visible against the night sky.Here is part of a liturgy from New Zealand:
A Litany of Darkness and Light
We wait in the darkness, expectantly, longingly, anxiously, thoughtfully.
The darkness is our friend. In the darkness of the womb, we have all been nurtured and protected. In the darkness of the womb, the Christ-child was made ready for the journey into light.
You are with us, O God, in darkness and in light...
In the darkness of night, desert peoples find relief from the cruel, relentless heat of the sun.
In the blessed desert darkness, Mary and Joseph were able to flee with the infant Jesus to safety in Egypt.
You are with us, O God, in darkness and in light...
In the darkness of sleep, we are soothed and restored, healed and renewed.
In the darkness of sleep, dreams rise up. God spoke to Jacob and Joseph through dreams. God is speaking still...
We know that you are with us, O God, yet we still await your coming. In the darkness that contains both our hopelessness and our expectancy, we watch for a sign of God's hope.
--Department of Parish Development and Mission, New Zealand
May the darkness of this season give us rest, renewal, and a new vision of hope.
posted by Rev. Amy Sens @ 8:22 AM
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