“His mercy extends to those who fear him,
from generation to generation.
He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
He has brought down rulers from their thrones
but has lifted up the humble.
He has filled the hungry with good things
but has sent the rich away empty.
He has helped his servant Israel,
to Abraham and his descendants forever,
just as he promised our ancestors.“
Luke 1:50-55
–
DECEMBER 6, 2024
The cold of winter doesn’t bother me much; I don’t dread the snow and ice like some people do. What does inevitably get to me as the calendar moves toward December is the fading sunshine and early nightfall. I hate the encroaching darkness of winter nights. Like clockwork, anxiety begins to rise in the pit of my stomach as night draws near.
My fear reminds me that there is so much darkness in the world. So much hatred, injustice, and suffering. It feels like no one is safe. I feel powerless to stop or change any of it and am overwhelmed by my own helplessness.
But there comes a point in the year when my seasonal anxiety takes a turn for the better: the day our Christmas lights go up. Just as the sunlight begins to fade for the day and the uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach begins to swell, the lights turn on, illuminating the darkness with their warm glow. Almost instantly my uneasiness is replaced with a feeling of comfort.
I am reminded that “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned” (Isaiah 9:2). Into the darkness, the light of the world is born.
God sent His Son into our dark, broken, and upside-down world because He loves us with a love strong enough to turn the world upside down and right side up. Mary’s song in Luke 1 captures this beautifully. In it we see that even the most powerful ruler is no match for our God who casts down proud, unjust leaders and elevates and cares for those who are poor and vulnerable.
No matter how small, powerless, or insignificant the world might deem someone, our magnificent God cares for them and is at work turning things right side up. One day, darkness itself will be abolished, and everything will finally be set right. Until that day comes, we can rejoice knowing that though there is still much darkness, “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (John 1:5).
Questions for reflection and discussion:
- What are some ways that the world seems dark right now?
- How does knowing that Jesus came to turn our upside-down world right side up again encourage you?
Church Reading Plan:
- Today, December 6: Habakkuk 1; Luke 20
- Saturday, December 7: Habakkuk 2; Luke 21
- Sunday, December 8: Habakkuk 3; Luke 22