The Wonder of God's Light

First Sunday of Advent, December 1

There are many who say, “O that we might see some good!  Let the light of your face shine on us, O Lord!” You have put gladness in my heart.”

Psalm 4:6 NRSV

It was a puppy… cuddly taffy-colored Cocker Spaniel wearing a bright green bow!  I was swept away with joy. Yet only a few hours later that same Christmas morn, I was terrified when I found her limp, her tongue hanging out… and green.  I thought she was dead instead of just an exhausted puppy who’d eaten her bow! 

While that was a small child’s innocent panic, we grownups aren’t all that much better, especially when the issues are more threatening and consequential.  When circumstances around us change, when we don’t feel in control and even chaotic, when things are shifting at a fast pace, it’s amazing how drastically and dramatically our emotions can shift.   No wonder we’re weary and in need of a good word.  The Israelites felt just that way when the words of Psalm 4 were penned:  “O that we might see some good!  Let the light of your face shine on us.” 

They/ we yearn(ed) for a good word, for the light to shine; for hope to be restored.  Truth be told, God’s good word is all around us, if we but open our eyes and our hearts. 

God’s wonder is resplendent in the bare-branched trees silhouetted in the colors of dawn or dusk.  God’s wonder shines on a child’s face as the lights of the season begin to appear.  God’s wonder multiplies when we gather in worship. God’s wonder crinkles the eyes of a wise sage whose smile is contagious, reminding us that seasons come and go, but the wonder of God, the light of God’s face shines on us forever. 

Let me close with a poem from an unknown author that it might touch your heart as it has mine:

Wonder comes from a place deep within.

It bubbles up, overflows, shoots forth:a moment of overwhelming joy.

Wonder arrives in a baby’s smilewhere hope and love and radiance meet.

Wonder erupts in a sunset that screamsred, and gold, purple, and pink, yellow, and blue.

Wonder is the touch of one who cares,gentle and soft, inviting us in, providing a safe place to rest.

Wonder is the mystery that is God…

Prayer:  Holy Friend, precious Savior, as we begin this season of Advent, waiting for hope to be restored and faith renewed, remind us that our most vulnerable moments are held by you.  For you offered your most vulnerable self to give us life abundant and life everlasting.  As we lean into the wonder of it all, fill us with your gladness that we might reflect your light in name of the Babe to be born again.  Amen.

Cindy Higgins