Light in a Murky World
/Scripture
Aathing at hes come tae be, he wis the life in it, an that life wis the licht o man; an ey the licht shines i the mirk, an the mirk downa slocken it nane. (John 1:4,5 The New Testament in Scots)
The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it. (John 1:4,5 NLT)
Light in a Murky World
My quirky Irish friend, Dave, gave me The New Testament in Scots. Knowing my Scottish roots he actually hit a nerve for me as I occasionally read it when I’m reflecting on a gospel story. In this third week of Advent I particularly like the word “mirk”.
It feels murky as I try to see “God with us” in the incendiary times in which we live. The dark noise of angry and conflicting voices competes with finding the grace and truth of God come to us in Jesus. In moments of quiet joy, grace-filled friendship and actions of love and mercy we affirm that the “mirk” doesn’t kill the light.
My prayer for us all as we end this year is that the light of this treasure of life in Jesus will be our experience, even as the dark times overwhelm us. Here is a link to some Advent prayers you can download as a pdf for your own moments of quiet reflection...
Wishing you and yours the blessings of God’s life, family richness and growing friendship over Christmas and into the New Year.
A Prayer for Today
A Hollowed Space to Be Filled
A cup must be empty before it can be filled.
If it is already full, it can’t be filled again except by emptying it out.
In order to fill anything, there must be a hollowed-out space.
Otherwise it can’t receive.
This is especially true of God’s word.
In order to receive it, we must be hollowed out.
We must be capable of receiving it,
emptied of the false self and its empty demands.
When Christ came there was no room in the inn.
It was full. The inn is a symbol; of the heart.
God’s word, Christ, can take root only in a hollow.
(William Breault in Hearts on Fire Loyola Press)
