I am writing this devotional early on Christmas Eve morning.
I came over to the sanctuary while it is still dark to practice extinguishing
lights for the Christmas Eve service. I wanted to see what the different light
settings looked like in the dark. I also needed to practice striking matches in
the dark for the Christ candle! Will I be able to memorize the words from
John’s Gospel about light and not use any reading light?
I took a moment just
to sit and be quiet and go over tonight’s services in my head. I was struck by
the beauty of our sanctuary. I sat in the darkness with the only light coming
from the cross. I had tried all of the buttons and could not find a way to
extinguish the light that shines on the cross.
Oh. There was my moment of theological truth.
The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not
overcome it. (John1:4)
I thought it would be a bit more theatrical to have the
sanctuary completely dark. But there is no graceful way to turn off the
chrismon tree (note to self: get a
dimmer switch for tree next year); the candles in the windows will still be
glowing. And, the light on the cross will not go out. It would have been more
dramatic, but to sit in darkness is not possible theologically for, “We have
seen his star……”
I will pray prayers of thanksgiving for you on Christmas
Day. I am hopeful that we all remember that Christmas – as far as the church
calendar is concerned – begins on December 25 and lasts twelve days. Let us not
be too hasty in turning off the Christmas lights. May the light of Christ shine
in your hearts these twelve days and always.
Rev. Catherine Nance
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