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. Isaiah 9:2
All of Scripture points us to the light; inviting us to walk in the light, to live in the light, to dwell in the light, and to be guided by the light. I was delighted to sing with the choir for the Evensong with St. Paul’s and St. Stephen’s choirs, and rejoiced while singing the “Mag” and “Nunc.” The Song of Mary (the Magnificat) and the Song of Simeon (the Nunc Dimitis) (Luke 2:32) are traditionally said every night at Evening Prayer, inviting us to remember how absolutely incredibly God works in our lives and through the humility of the people around us. Mary praises and proclaims the promises of the Messiah, and then Simeon announces the baby Jesus as the “light to enlighten the Gentiles.”
We approach Christ the King Sunday both rooting for Jesus, and for the disciples as they once again are led to a greater understanding of God’s mission and ministry on earth. We immediately jump into Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany, all seasons of light which coincide with the winter solstice and the return of the light to our world. Every year I anticipate with joyful expectation the tumble of story after story of the glory of God working in the world to transform our lives. At the same time, I embrace the hush that leads me deeper into the mysteries as we celebrate the wonder of the Incarnation.
With barely a breath in between we are led from the Wise Men to the Baptism to the Temptations and to the Transfiguration, inviting us into “aha” moments. We rejoice as the lightbulb goes off for the disciples, and us, as Jesus is once again revealed in power and glory.
With every cycle of the church year, we are called to see both the darkness in our lives and in the world, and the dawning light of expectation, possibilities, hope, and joy in partnering with the light through our prayers, worship, outreach, and individual gifts coming together in harmony.
Like a child on Christmas morning, may we anticipate the light that dawns at St. Paul’s.
