When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. – Matthew 2:10
Advent Lighting – Light three candles of advent; hope, peace, and joy.
A few years ago, on Christmas Eve night as I was finishing up at the church’s 11 pm candlelight and communion service, as storm came upon us. It wasn’t the typical winter storm brining snow. Instead it was a strange thunderstorm and all of a sudden the lights went out. Our power had been lost at the church. They were only off for a moment, and returned as I said the benediction, concluding the service. In the back of my mind, however, I wondered about our home. The parsonage was a couple of block away, but on a different power grid. The difference often meant that our power would go out when the church did, but hardly ever came back on as fast.
As I locked up the church and made my way home in the dark, I arrived at a suspectedly dark house. I went in and tried to do my normal Christmas Eve activities of preparing for the morning ahead. Though some aspects where much more difficult by lantern light, and it was already getting colder in the house with the power out. I went to bed hoping the next morning would be better and our power restored, but skeptical since it was Christmas Eve. When the kids woke up the next morning, it was still a little dark outside, and cold because the power was still out. We had the boys put on their winter coats, and sat down by the tree and opened presents. We already had plans to leave the house and visit with family, and Samantha and I decided to go ahead and get out earlier than planned. We loaded up the car, and were relieved by the heat of warm car as we made our way to Knoxville. The night had been long and cold, but now we were on our way to somewhere warm with family, and warm food waiting, and the joy of Christmas was restored.
We’ve all had those times that seem difficult as we go through them. The pandemic of this year has made some previous difficulties seem miniscule in comparison. The days seem to have gone by slower, and seem longer. It seems darker than at other times. But like the star stopped over the place where the baby messiah resided, so too, this dark journey will end. At that time we will rejoice with great joy. However, we have reason to rejoice even now, as we know that even in dark times, we have our Emmanuel, our God is with us.
Grace & Peace,
Sam