The story of Jesus, the story of hope, the story of everything began with darkness.
Read Genesis 1:1-2:
In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.
A few years ago our family was able to visit Longhorn Cavern State Park. We had the opportunity to tour the caverns alongside a guide. It was amazing to see God’s creation down to the details of glistening crystals, stalagmites, and caves. But there is a moment on every tour when the guide stops and has everyone turn off their flashlights. He warns everyone to pick a spot and do not try to move. It is startling to say the least. You can’t even see your hand if you place it in front of your face. Your heart pounds and panic begins to set in as you think about what could happen with no light.
Much like the physical darkness at the beginning of creation, we were born into spiritual darkness. Gratefully, God doesn’t leave us in darkness. The Advent season is a time of remembering the light that was sent to give us hope, joy, peace, and love. It is a light that gives us life!
“For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” Colossians 1:16-17
We find our hope in the darkness because of a second passage in the Bible that begins with “In the beginning …” We do not have to fear because God supplied the light.
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. John 1:1-5
We have hope because darkness was never the end for our Mighty God. We were not created to stay in darkness. God provides the light that is the substitution for the darkness of death. Therefore, just like the reformers battle cry, “Post Tenebras Lux,” we too can cry out “After Darkness, Light!”
The people who walked in darkness
have seen a great light;
those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness,
on them has light shone.
You have multiplied the nation;
you have increased its joy;
they rejoice before you
as with joy at the harvest,
as they are glad when they divide the spoil.
For the yoke of his burden,
and the staff for his shoulder,
the rod of his oppressor,
you have broken as on the day of Midian.
For every boot of the tramping warrior in battle tumult
and every garment rolled in blood
will be burned as fuel for the fire.
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.
Of the increase of his government and of peace
there will be no end,
on the throne of David and over his kingdom,
to establish it and to uphold it
with justice and with righteousness
from this time forth and forevermore.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this. Isaiah 9:2-7
In the words of Paul, we say “Rejoice!” We rejoice because Jesus fulfills the prophecy of Isaiah and provides the answer to the darkness.
Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12
Again, we say Rejoice!
Take time today as you light your candle of Hope to remember the light that the Mighty God created to destroy the darkness! As a family, go on a nature hike and enjoy God’s creation. Take a night time stroll with flashlights and reflect on the wonders of creation.
A song to mediate on today:
