Advent, the season of preparation for Christmas, always begins with readings that talk about the end of the world. Unsettling images of violence and war. Danger and upheaval all around. Even creation is in the midst of turmoil. So much for peace on earth.
Each year, these images seem to be reflected in the news reports we’ve heard recently. No wonder we are uneasy. At any given time, someone’s world is coming to an end. Violence and hatred. Earthquakes and floods. Uncertainty and unrest. Broken hearts and broken lives. Whether on a cosmic scale, a global scale, or a personal scale, disaster and tragedy is widespread and persistent.
However, this is exactly the world that God comes into. God is present despite war, terrorism and murder, in contrast to cruelty, betrayal and insensitivity, against disaster, disease and death. God is here. Bringing light into darkness. Bringing hope into despair. Brining new life into what may look like nothing more that disaster and death.
May the life and hope and light of Advent fill you.
May your pain and fear and burdens dissolve in the love and care of God.
May the light of this season shine in contrast to the night of fear and death.
May you notice God’s presence around and within you, today and always.
Prayer
God of Light,
The season is dark.
The world is struggling.
Your light can disperse the night, brining hope and new life.
Calm my fears and settle my uncertainty.
Lift my burdens and my struggles.
Enfold me in your light, your love, your peace.
Help me to see you all around me.
Surprise me with your presence and your faithful love.
Heal me. Mend me. Use me as part of your light in this struggling world.
Amen.