Reflection
The Advent readings tell us that “the people in darkness shall see a great light”. We know that the light shining in the present darkness is blurred in a world whose systems do not understand it. Yet, we have hope because we know that in the hearts of many the light does still shine. We believe that the darkness has not completely overcome it, and that the paradox of light and darkness is part of our belief in the Divine Source calling all things to completion.
Prayer
May light shine in our darkness.
Action
Try to see objectively what the darkness is that confuses our society. Where does it apply to you? How can you bring light to shine in concrete situations?
Suggested Reading
The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
John 1:5
You are the light of the world…let your light shine before others.
Matthew 5:14-16
We must carry the light of Christ with the witness of a genuine love. The Christian must be a luminous person who carries the light, a light that comes from one that his not his own, but a gift of God, a gift of Jesus. If a Christian loses this light, his life doesn’t make sense. He is a Christian in name only.
Pope Francis
Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.
Martin Luther King Jr
Be the light that helps others see; it is what gives life its deepest significance.
Roy T. Bennett
It’s not necessary to blow out your neighbor’s light to let your own shine.
M.R. DeHaan
To secure one’s freedom the Christian must experience God’s light which is God’s truth.
Watchman Ne
It may be that you are not yourself luminous, but that you are a conductor of light. Some people without possessing genius have a remarkable power of stimulating it.
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us.
Marianne Williamson
There is no darkness so dense, so menacing, or so difficult that it cannot be overcome by light.
Vern P. Stanfill
Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness.
Desmond Tutu
See the light in others, and treat them as if that is all you see.
Wayne Dyer
You have to find what sparks a light in you so that you in your own way can illuminate the world.
Oprah Winfrey