"The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it" (Jn. 1:5).

One of my strongest memories from the years that I attended seminary in Waterloo is of gathering together every week day during Advent at around 4:30 for Evening Prayer. At the beginning of the service, there would still be daylight streaming in the windows of the seminary chapel. By the end of the service, our individual candles and the big Christ candle would be giving most of the light, as the daylight faded away outside. It was a very tangible reminder of the light shining in the darkness.

In fact, it is a reminder that works best at this time of year because of the fact that the darkness is arriving earlier and earlier each day. It is no accident that Christmas is celebrated just after the darkest day of the year in the Northern hemisphere. When we celebrate the birth of Jesus, already it is getting brighter! As the light grows during the season of Epiphany, the daylight follows suit, reminding us of the light of Christ being spread to all nations.

However, first there is Advent and Christmas, times that can be particularly dark for people, in spite of the message of hope that permeates the season. Some find it dark due to seasonal disorders that darken their mood (S.A.D.). Others find it dark because of grief, as the loss of loved ones is felt more acutely around Christmas time. Still others are burdened by financial difficulties, having been convinced that the only way to celebrate is by spending large amounts on gifts. For others, family crises drain their energy and threaten to erode the "good news of great joy" that comes to us at Christmas.

During these times where the darkness seems very dark indeed, it can be helpful to focus our attention on the light shining in the darkness. One way to do this is to light a candle (or more than one!) whenever we are in a place where we have the ability to do so. A candle can be not only a source of warmth and light, but a visible reminder of Christ's presence with us. After all, he has promised to be with us always, even "to the end of the age" (Mt. 28:20).

Another way to focus on the light shining in the darkness is through time spent in prayer. Even though for many people this is a very busy time of year, it is also a time when we will be left feeling empty and frazzled without spending any time in prayer.

Now, before despairing that there's no way to fit any more time into the day, consider that even time in the bath tub or shower or time spent driving alone can be time for prayer. One of the best ways to focus on God and to listen for what God might be saying to us is to choose a word or a phrase from Scripture on which to meditate. For suggested Scripture passages, check the fine print at the bottom of every Celebrate insert, which gives passages to read in the coming week. With any Scripture passage, simply see what word or phrase jumps out at you, and spend some time meditating on that word or phrase.

Although at times it can seem very dark indeed, God has entered our darkness in Jesus, the Christ. May we be drawn to his light and strengthened for the journey.

In Christ, Pastor Lynne Hutchison Moore