ADVENT BEGINS IN THE DARK

 “Advent begins in the dark.”[1]            It’s that season again. Sunset occurs earlier and earlier each day. Darkness descends more rapidly. The skies are typically gray this time of year. Fog often obscures the view. Rain threatens to swell the rivers and creeks.             Social media and television remind us that the holidays are for family. Unless your family lives miles apart or has been torn apart by events and circumstances beyond your control. Then the families we see smiling, loving, and caring for one another remind us of what could be, what used to be, or what never was.            A recent article notes Of all age groups, the highest rate of suicide was documented in adults 75 and over, with 21.3 deaths per 100,000 people. Similarly, the highest rate of increase of any age group was seen in those aged 55 through 64, with 18.5 deaths per 100,000, up from 17 in 2021. It’s notable that loneliness, which the CDC lists as a key public-health concern for older adults, seems to be increasing worldwide, with research approximating that at least 50% of modern adults over 60 are at risk for social isolation.[2] The public health challenge is real. Even those who appear to have everything going their way may simply be masking aa darkness no one else can see.            Though Advent begins in darkness, the arrival of the Messiah is an event celebrated with light! The skies above Bethlehem lit up with the glory of God announcing the birth of Jesus. A star led some wise men on a  long journey. The star “…which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was.” (Matthew 2:9, NKJV).             Most of our focus during Advent is on the Nativity – the events surrounding the birth of Jesus. As Advent habits formed during medieval times, though, the focus was not on the first arrival of Jesus. Rather Advent was a reminder of the promise of Jesus’ return. Jesus told His disciples that prior to His return, ““Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon shaken. Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.” (Matthew 24:29–30, NKJV)             Darkness is real. Darkness is powerful. But, as we celebrate ADVENT we look for light – the One whom John the Evangelist described as “In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.” (John 1:4–5, NKJV)             The darkness is real. But the light of the world has come…and He is coming again!PASTOR STEVE