Darkness to Light

Christmas is usually a time of family get togethers and joyous reunions. But for many the holidays bring up pain, sorrow and suffering. This advent we at Rolling Acres are exploring how Jesus came to set the world to rights; to bring Hope out of despair, Peace out of war, Joy out of sadness and Love out of hate. Even if this holiday season is a dark time, we gather together to celebrate Jesus who shines light into our dark places.

This is the goal of the believing communities. We are supposed to be this for one another. When someone is feeling down, we are supposed to gather around them and help them through their dark nights. Now I realize the Church has not been that for many people and it has actually been very much to the contrary. Yet, this is what we strive for as the Church. To be the very real presence of Christ in the world. So, I hope as Advent is wrapping up this season that we as the Church take time to remember and prepare for Christmas. And, that we take time to be the presence of Christ in the world for those to whom the Christmas season brings pain, sadness and suffering.

This artist's rendering above is based on Isaiah 9:2 "The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness--on them light has shined."

May you see and experience light this season.

Grace and Peace