DAY 3: Ponder the Mystery: A Contemplative Advent Journey

“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light, those who lived in the land of deep darkness—on them a light has shined.” Isaiah 9:2

PONDER: Darkness, in its many forms, can be a palpable emptiness, a fear, loneliness, or sorrow. We know it personally as we lament the losses in life and the potential anxiety that may accompany it. And while the darkness can be very personal, we also carry an enormous amount of darkness or fear as a result of the larger communities of family dynamics, city or country cultures, and world-wide, catastrophic events due to natural disasters or acts of war.

RESPOND: Take a moment to name the dark places in your own life experience today. What feels heavy or burdensome to you? Where do you find your grip tightening as you attempt to control outcomes of circumstances or relationships? In this darkness, we carry a light that the darkness can never extinguish. A perpetual light of assurance no brighter than a candle flame can be the start of hope rising in you. Jesus himself said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12). The story of Christmas is filled with heavenly lights and wonders. What would it be like to imagine light coming to you and surrounding your darkest thoughts? What do you hope for from the great light as a result of Jesus’ birth?

A BLESSING: May the Great Light of Jesus fill you with great hope for the world, creating within you pathways of wisdom and love to illuminate your days. Amen.