In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
John 1:1-5
John’s Gospel takes us to the beginning of time. The narrative brings us to the formless darkness before all things were made. And yet in that unfathomable nothingness, John speaks of the presence of Jesus. Wesley suggests that God ‘spoke from eternity’ when He created the universe. This Gospel brings us the mysterious truth that God brought forth life, and that life was the light that is Christ Jesus.
We are reminded that at Advent Christ brings us a new beginning – a life from God, a light in the dark. Advent is a new beginning for us, too – a chance to reflect on the astonishing gift of Jesus. This passage speaks of God’s light as something that has the power to overcome darkness, and the source of that power is revealed to us during Advent.
If you have been alone at night the feeling of emptiness can be profound. God speaks to us through the darkness, just as He spoke life and light into the world. Even in the darkest hour, God is present for us. The gloom of the world is overcome by the presence of Christ in Advent.
Reflect
Do you dread the darkness, or can you feel God’s presence even where there is no light? In many parts of the world, Advent takes place at a time of year when there is more darkness than light. In what areas of your life do you long to see the light of Christ break through? How might practicing the four tenets of Advent Conspiracy bring about light into our dark world?
Pray
Lord of all light,
You created us and are all around us. Thank you for being the Light of the World and entering into our story. Help me to seek your light so that I may find and know your presence both in the brightness of day and the deepest dark of the night.
Amen.