Perhaps what characterises the darkest of days is when diabolical deeds are carried out in plain sight – for it is then that the darkness encroaches on the daylight.
If so, then these are dark days indeed.
So dark in fact that children are beaten to death by their parents and the overwhelmed social services are unable to intervene, kindergartens are targeted by weapons of war that world leaders seem powerless to stop, and violence abounds with such extensive loss of life that the bloodstained ground is visible from space.
Where then lies our hope in times such as these? Not in better funded social services, more intensive peace efforts, or stronger international justice systems, for though these are absolutely necessary, they will always be hopelessly inadequate to dispel the darkness on their own.
Because what’s really needed is light.
And in this season of Advent we remember that Jesus – ‘the true light that gives light to everyone” – came into the world as a baby boy. [John 1:9] And we look forward to the day when he comes again, as Judge of all, when justice will be done and righteousness will reign as the everlasting Kingdom of God comes in all its fullness.
This is our hope – of a light that even now shines in the darkness that has not, and will not, overcome it [John 1:5]; of brighter tomorrows that can sustain us in our all too gloomy todays; of a King who, though he died, rose again and will rule for evermore.
So we can be assured that all that takes place in this ‘vale of tears’ [Psalm 84:6] that we call home is seen by the God who transcends both time and space.
And not from a distance – for His name is Emmanuel – and He is with us.
And it is to this sure and certain hope that we can cling – as indeed can the ill-treated child, the beleaguered nation, and all who are oppressed.
Jesus is coming, and the God of all comfort reigns.
To read Day 9 from 2023, click here
To read Day 9 from 2023, click here
Some musings 