Advent Challenge Day 18
Seasonal Rhythms
Read Together
Genesis 1:3-5, 14-19 & Isaiah 45:6b-8 & Lamentations 3:22-23
Light three candles and say together
Let salvation spring up.
(from Isaiah 45:8)
Reflection
A very common metaphor during Advent is light in darkness. It is also a metaphor used often in Scripture. Darkness is something that is visceral, and it changes how we experience the world around us. Light is a powerful defence against darkness, and it too feels very tangible. But while this metaphor often uses darkness to reference the pain and sin and confusion we experience in our world, darkness isn't always bad and it isn't always akin to sin or something to be avoided.
Consider how you feel when you see Christmas lights lighting up homes in your community. In the daytime, those decorations may look sweet, but at night they literally shine. The darkness is necessary for us to experience the power of light.
In the passages we read from Genesis and Isaiah today, the creation of both light and dark are attributed to God. (Genesis 1:14, Isaiah 45:7). Through this creation also came rhythm and life. During the Creation narrative, we first see night and day created. And that sets into motion the entire cadence of the passage. "And there was evening and there was morning, the first day." By day four, we move into a crescendo that brings forth the tempo of seasons into this steady beat of day and night. God uses the sun as a sign in the sky to set this pattern into motion, "as signs for seasons and for days and years." Through this Creation of light and dark, we are given the gift of momentum, of history and tradition, of celebration, rest, and remembrance. As the sun rises each morning, we find a day full of new opportunities and hope. As the moon replaces it each night, we have a chance to rest from the day, leaving behind what is not meant to come into a new day with us.
This forward momentum that started in the very first creative breath from God continues to propagate life. Creation continues to create. "Heavens, sprinkle from above, and let the skies shower righteousness. Let the earth open up so that salvation will sprout and righteousness will spring up with it." (Isaiah 45:8) Plants and vegetation need our night and day and seasonal cycles to continue to grow in order to be a source of nutrition for us and the world around us. Our oceans depend on our Earth's gravitational relationship to the moon. Rain may lead to a dreary day for us but it provides an important life source for nature. Our world depends on these rhythms.
Together we are journeying through the season of Advent and for those of us in the Northern Hemisphere, we are right on the cusp of the season of winter and the longest night of the year. We live our lives seasonally. But the seasons we find ourselves in aren't merely ones that are connected to our calendar. We also find ourselves in seasons determined by our life circumstances. Some of these seasons are defined more by light and warmth and some more by darkness and chill, but all of them have rhythms of light and dark. And we are still in a forward momentum through these seasons.
Seasons are a blessing. They provide rhythms, cadence, momentum, and renewal. There are blessings in the dark and in the light and in the light that is found in darkness. No matter how dark or light this season of Advent is that you are in, consider the gift of it and accept it as you are able to. The season of Advent will come again if Jesus tarries, but there is a gift in this season you are in right now. Look for it. Find it in the light and in the darkness. God is present in both.
Talk About
- Which seasons are you in at the moment? How would you describe these seasons?
- How can you welcome the rhythm of seasons and the gift of new life in the current season of your life?
Pray Together
Lord, your love has poured out so many blessings. Bring us back to loving you, God our Saviour. Restore our hearts. Revive us again, O God! Give us a fresh start! Pour out even more love on us. Flowers of your faithfulness are blooming on the earth, righteousness shines down from the sky. Yes, the Lord keeps raining down blessing after blessing.
Amen.
(from Psalm 85, TPT)
Put it in Action
Go on a walk or drive after it is dark to see Christmas lights in your community. Experience the joy of these decorations even in the middle of a dark night.