Advent Devotion: John 1:5
Overcoming Darkness (Part 3)
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The light shines in the darkness,
and the darkness has not overcome it.
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Christmas Eve 2020 will be the first time in 37 years that I will not lead a candlelight service in a sanctuary.
I love the moment at the end of that service when we sing Silent Night with candles held high. Even the most wizened and worn among us look radiant in that glow.
But I also love the moment at the start of the service where we switch off the lights. The only illumination in the room is the Christ candle, burning on the altar. It's a bit strange to see the church in total darkness--maybe even a little spooky. Only one light remains: the Christ candle on the altar.
As our eyes adjust I love to ask, "What do you see? A room full of darkness? Or one source of Light?"
In this strange year we have seen more than our share of shadows. But what do you see? A world full of darkness? Or one eternal Light?
It all depends on where you look, doesn't it?
So this Dec 24 we won't be in the sanctuary, but we'll still be the church. And we WILL have a candlelight service, right here on Facebook Live. It's not what we're used to, but it's still spreading the Light.
Where are you looking this Advent? Don't focus on the darkness. This year, more than ANY other, keep your eyes on the Light.