Advent 21
Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress.
In the past he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the future he will honor Galilee of the nations, by the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan—The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest, as warriors rejoice when dividing the plunder…For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.
—ISAIAH 9:1-3; 6 (NIV)
Today marks the shortest day of the year. Darkness snuffs out the light, sometimes as early as mid-afternoon (depending on where you live). All may seem bleak, as we wait for the dawn to break. It is because of these shortening days that an Advent tradition with origins in the middle ages found a unique adaptation in Sweden around 1800. Swedish children wear white and process into homes, schools, and community centers, each carrying a candle except for one girl who leads them. She plays the role of St Lucia, wearing candles as a crown on her head and carrying a basket of saffron scented buns and gingerbread cookies. St Lucia (a name that means light) was a third century Italian saint venerated because of her martyrdom, but known widely because she was credited with answered prayer when food was badly needed. Help came to people on a ship that arrived in the harbor with a beautiful woman in white standing at its bow.
Often we associate the lights dimming with the growing of our fears. It is no wonder that the welcoming of the reign of good over evil, of love over hate, is central to Christmas and to recognizing Jesus as the light of the world.