4 The Word gave life to everything that was created,
and his life brought light to everyone.
5 The light shines in the darkness,
and the darkness can never extinguish it.
I John 1

Advent started on Sunday, November 28th. Yet somehow as I turn the calendar to December, it feels more real, at least in the calendar-sense.

The celebration of Advent brings light and hope to the darkness. It brings purpose and focus to a season of uninhibited spending. It puts things into perspective.
The infinite becomes clothed in the finite.
The immortal is expressed through mortality.

Sets of paradoxes converge as I think about how and where and when God would break through into my life, my heart, my actions. But for me, the best illustration is how light breaks into darkness and overcomes it.

I choose to focus on the places God’s Light can break through into my world, instead of fretting over the Darkness, which will never win.

The old and moldy hymn comes to mind… (It sure needs a re-mix — update the words and the tune… but take it for what it’s worth!)

I want to walk as a  child of the Light
I want to follow Jesus
God set the stars to give light to the world
The Star of my life is Jesus.

Chorus: In Him there is no darkness at all
The night and the day are both alike
The lamb is the Light of the city of God
Shine in my heart Lord Jesus.

I want to see the Brightness of God
I want to look at Jesus
Clear Son of righteousness shine on my path
And show me the way to the Father.

Chorus

I’m looking for the coming of Christ
I want to be with Jesus
When we have run, with patience, the race
We shall know the joy of Jesus.