‘The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world’ writes St John in the first chapter of his gospel. The theme of darkness and light is celebrated in churches throughout the world during the Advent and Christmas season. The darkness of the world is contrasted with the coming of Jesus Christ, the Light of the World, at Christmas.
Perhaps this year, more than most, it will not be difficult for us to reflect on the darkness of the world in which we live. Covid-19 has engulfed the whole world, bringing with it a terrible sense of loss, be it the terrible loss of life and the darkness of bereavement, or the loss of income and livelihood, or the darkness of lockdown or severe restrictions on movement. In such circumstances many are consumed by the darkness and are left without much of a vision for the future except in terms of gloom and darkness. The Pandemic has surely been a world transforming occurrence. But there is hope that a vaccine will soon become a reality, light at the end of a dark tunnel.
During the season of Advent Christians reflect upon another world transforming event which occurred some 2000 years ago – an event which truly changed the course of history. We are called to look back at the darkness of our past, to repent, and to look forward to the coming of the Christ child at Christmas. His coming, his life, death and resurrection reveals to us the depth of God’s love and encourages us to be confident in the knowledge that he is with us always, even in this current crisis, sharing in the pain of human sufferings, shining as a light in the darkness. And this light, St John concludes, cannot be overcome by the darkness.
With love and prayers for a safe, blessed, and joyful light-filled Advent and Christmas.
Fr Colin
