We wait in darkness

As we enter another mask mandate this week in Tri-County, witness the COVID infection numbers and deaths rising again, hear crying out from healthcare workers who are exhausted, we pause to grieve and pray.

The end of the liturgical year is upon us, and we begin afresh on Sunday November 28th with the first Sunday in Advent. Advent is a time of darkness, contemplation, and waiting. This year, maybe even more than last, we need to give ourselves space to wait, long and lament. We have been in a dire season of collective stress for nearly two years now. Political battles, healthcare and humanitarian crises, death by gun violence, and division in the church are just a few of the chronic stressors. 

image from unsplash

This past week in North Aurora we witnessed gun violence near two of our local high schools only days apart. This is a symptom of much deeper seated issues in our community. I think many of us can attest to the collective rage that boils beneath the surface, and outbursts of violence are hotspots of that rage bursting forth. 

So here we are; we arrive at Advent screeching to a halt, praying for hope to light our candles. “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light,” Isaiah 9 says, “those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness on them has light shone.” Jerusalem, the people of God, was suffering repercussions of its own failings. The people were obsessed with religion but refused to allow God to shape their hearts. They were led astray by a king whose own desire for power plunged him into pride and refusal of God’s lordship. And yet God in his mercy gives words to Isaiah saying he will redeem his people. 

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”  Isaiah 9:6

The answer to the anguish and loneliness of God’s people has always been Jesus: descendent of the throne of David, the root of Jesse, the good King who will set up a new kingdom filled with justice and righteousness. Oh how we need that here! 

We will journey through this beautiful prophesy over the next four weeks as Isaiah tells the good news of Christ’s coming. Would we lament the state of our world and the state of the Church as we look forward with hope to the one who brings real light to the darkness.