Pastors corner

The Light In the World

“The light shines in the darkness and the darkness did not overcome it - the true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world” (John 1:5, 9).

As I sit and write I can gaze out the living room window and see house after house lit up with Christmas lights. The star on the top of the hill in Endicott welcomes me home as I round that last corner by Repp Road. There are Christmas Parades held in the darkness, but illuminated by light that comes to a climatic end with fireworks providing bursts of brightness in the night sky over Colfax. Christmas trees are shining in the store windows and no-longer-vacant parking lots, in front yards and living rooms. The lighting of one more candle on the Advent wreath each week until all are burn brightly.

All this light shines in our darkness of long, winter nights.

Growing up, we always had an Advent wreath at home (well, in our home, it was more of an Advent log).

It sat on our kitchen table.

Each night at dinner we would light the candle on it - or candles depending on how close we were to Christmas - as we ate.

I always loved the Advent log, and the accompanying Advent wreath at church.

I am not sure what I liked about it so much back then, I think I just enjoyed having candles on the table.

But, as I have grown older I find it significant that we, on this side of the earth, light one more candle on that wreath each week bringing more and more light into the world as the days grow shorter and shorter.

“The light shines in the darkness and the darkness did not overcome it” (John 1:5).

All this light - at least the ones revolving around Christmas; whether the tree or colorful (and creative) lawn and house lights, the advent candles or candle-lit services - all this light is meant to remind us that Christ, “the true light, was coming [has come and still comes] into the world” (John 1:9). It is Jesus, the light of the world, who truly illumines our darkness and who no darkness can overcome. This is whose coming we look for during this Advent season and all seasons of our lives. This is the person in whom we have hope and life and light. And this is to whom we pray:

Almighty God, you made this, and every holy night shine with the brightness of the True Light. Grant that here on earth we may walk in the light of Jesus’ presence and in the last day wake to the brightness of his glory; through your Son who comes among us, Jesus. Amen.

Pastor Phil Misner

Peace Lutheran Church, Colfax

Trinity Lutheran Church, Endicott