Light of the World - Wednesday, December 16 (Advent 2020)
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he 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
Darkness is a constant companion during winter in northern Alaska. In fact, villages above the Arctic Circle receive little to no daylight during a portion of winter. Barrow, Alaska, has no sunlight for 67 days! Because of this, the entire lifestyle and feel changes from constant activity and movement to a slower overall pace.
Just when we think the relentless darkness will overwhelm us, we pass the winter solstice in December, and the gradual return of light is noticed by all. There is a distinct change in attitude. People literally express feelings of joy because they see the sun simply rising higher than the horizon line. I know I sure did!
Experiencing this has made me better appreciate what it would have been like to have waited years or decades, a lifetime even, for the Savior who had been promised. What would it have felt like to have been one of the shepherds on the hillside who saw the glory of the Lord shine around them when the angels appeared? To be one of the first to see the Messiah incarnate. The joy, relief, and excitement must have been overwhelming!
May each of us be renewed this Advent season with a physical sense of joy and wonder. Like those of us in Fairbanks, and the northern villages, seeing a full day of sunshine after a very long winter, let us feel a physical sense of relief, as we remember that the light of the world has come down to us and redeems us. And let us bring that Light into every aspect of our lives to share it with those still living in darkness.
Thank you, Lord, for being our Light - a very real presence and redeemer. Help us to experience joy and excitement so tangible that others will wonder and ask about our source of hope. Amen.