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The True Light

December 13, 2023

Revelation 19:5-8  |  Psalm 131  |  John 1:9-14

9″The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.

10 He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. 11He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him.”

Today’s gospel is a strange paradox: how can it be that the most powerful light could illuminate the darkness, yet people would not see it? That Jesus would come to us as one of us, yet we would not include him? Maybe it’s not so hard to imagine. The particular gifts that Jesus brought to the world – a radical embrace of justice, love and peace; and of what we would today call diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging – are in many ways as shocking and controversial now as they were in Biblical times. It’s no stretch to understand how people then would have rejected Jesus the way we reject those who deliver the same messages today. 

The gospel continues with phrases that inspire great hope, such as: “But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God…” “…and we have seen his glory…” “…full of grace and truth…”. These words remind me of my favorite quote: “And above all, watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places. Those who don’t believe in magic will never find it.” -Roald Dahl. It has been life-affirming for me to embrace the subtle yet profound shift toward mindful, curious, and eager discovery of everyday magic — toward noticing “where the divine and daily meet,” as we so often discuss at St. Luke’s. 

This advent season, I will challenge myself to notice where Jesus’ message is shining through as light in the darkness, even, or especially, in instances where others might reject or overlook it. This year, it seems darkness abounds — but as Fred Rogers of “Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood” once said, “look for the helpers. There are always people helping.” I will choose to focus on the helpers, on their messages of peace and justice, and on the true magic their work creates: the magic of God’s grace and truth. These helping acts, I’ve learned, do not have to be grand and do not need to come from powerful figures: I’ve seen countless examples right here in our own faith community. 

Katie Anderson