As I looked out at the crowd of cars lined up for the parking lot service at our church, I could not help but think that this is my last Sunday with the congregation until the new year. Next week I plan a ski trip and honey-dos. We will celebrate Christmas with all the celebrative bells and whistles that we love, but something touched me about this being the last Sunday of Advent 2020. Maybe I lived in a mode of expectation for so long that I cannot imagine what life holds in store for the future. Perhaps the fear of leaving the darkness and embracing the light that comes into the world frightens me.
The truth is, I know how darkness feels. I see the anxiety and unsureness of not knowing, and leaving it behind brings panic. The procedure repeats itself repeatedly, move from darkness into light. The Savior of the world makes His presence known, so step into the freedom found in Christ. The journey starts with one first step, that is all.
On this last Sunday of Advent, let throw away the negative issues that we continue to carry from the darkness. We surrender everything, and in return, the light of Christ meets us where we are, ready to transform us into the sons and daughters of God. Let us celebrate our gratitude by sharing our story with a world that needs our life-giving narrative. Christmas comes this week. The light shines, families gather, and we celebrate the birthday of the Messiah. Let us not forget that we have several days of work to do as we continue to wait until the day of dancing.
