This coming Sunday marks the beginning of Advent, the season of preparation for the coming of Jesus. Each Sunday between now and Christmas we will light a candle on our Advent Wreath and think of those who prepared the way: the Patriarchs, the Prophets, John the Baptist and Mary. As each candle is lit a prayer is said and every Sunday the prayer ends with these words: ‘We ask this through Jesus Christ, the Light who is coming into the world.’ Then on Christmas Day at the lighting of the final candle, the ending of the prayer changes to: ‘the Light who has come into the world.’
During Advent we celebrate Jesus as the ‘Light of the World’. The light that entered our world through the incarnation and the light that will dawn when he returns.
Jesus himself claimed to be the ‘Light of the World’ and the famous Christmas reading from the first chapter of John’s Gospel has repeated references to Jesus as the light:
‘The light shines in the darkness… The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.’
I wonder what comes to your mind when you think of the symbolism of light.
We might think of truth that dispels the darkness of ignorance and false ideas. Light could refer to goodness scattering the darkness of evil and wrong. Light helps us to find our way along a dark path. Light exposes things that are otherwise hidden.
Jesus demonstrated all of these aspects of light in his earthly life. As teacher he enlightened minds with the truth of his words. Through his selfless power, love and forgiveness he defeated evil. By his example he showed the way to live. In calling out hypocrisy he exposed the unseen motives of the outwardly religious.
During Advent we remember how Jesus arrived at that first Christmas as a shining light. We also think of his second coming when his power over evil will be fully realized and goodness will reign. When he comes again his truth will be clear to all and he will expose the thoughts of all our hearts.
Advent is a season of light, so we remind ourselves that ‘the darkness is passing away and the true light is already shining.’ 1 John 2:8
With best wishes for Advent,
Revd Stephen Golding