A Reflection for Sunday, December 8, 2024 by Rev. Jeannette Conver
Lectionary reading for 12/8/2024: Luke 1:68-79, Malachi 3:1-4, Philippians 1:3-11, Luke 3:1-6
Selected passage for reflection: Luke 1:68-79
Read
Luke 1:68-79 New Living Translation
“Praise the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has visited and redeemed his people. He has sent us a mighty Savior from the royal line of his servant David, just as he promised through his holy prophets long ago.
We will be saved from our enemies and from all who hate us. He has been merciful to our ancestors by remembering his sacred covenant—the covenant he swore with an oath to our ancestor Abraham. We have been rescued from our enemies so we can serve God without fear, in holiness and righteousness for as long as we live.
“And you, my little son, will be called the prophet of the Most High, because you will prepare the way for the Lord. You will tell his people how to find salvation through forgiveness of their sins.
Because of God’s tender mercy, the morning light from heaven is about to break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, and to guide us to the path of peace.”
Reflect
Let’s focus on Luke 1:79 from The Song of Zechariah. I was challenged to read the above last paragraph substituting the plurals for singulars—making these words very personal. “Because of the tender mercy of my God, the morning light from heaven is about to break upon me, to give light to me as I sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide me into the path of peace.”
I don’t know about you, but I’ve been sitting in my own personal darkness of trauma recently. I went through grief with significant periods of anger and sadness and denial. And then the turmoil of our country’s political darkness, injustice, and uncertainty set in around me as well. It’s been anything but peaceful!
We may understand that we can’t rush our healing from the shadows of trauma, or grief, or death of a dream. But oh, how we’d like to jump immediately to the “everything works out for the best” part! We might be tempted to put on a happy face and pretend that all is well. But, if so, we cheat ourselves of the gifts God gives us in the slow, deep process of reflection, of being where we are.
Particularly in this season of Advent, of waiting to celebrate the light, it is good and right to lift up our heads from whatever literal or emotional darkness we might feel… to lift up our eyes and recognize that God’s tender mercy continues to shine the light of Jesus presence and grace into the dark corners of our world and into the dark corners of our hearts. It isn’t only something that God did in the past—each Advent is an opportunity to make a fresh start. We can relearn to allow God’s tender mercy to guide us into the way of peace.
Respond
This week, I invite you daily to make time to read aloud the words of the Song of Zechariah personally. Whether in the morning, afternoon, or night remind yourself that your God promises healing, loving light will break through your darkness.
Rest
Our tender, loving God, thank you for the glorious light of your presence. In the northern hemisphere of short dark days, we remind ourselves of your light when we see a sunrise or sunset. Help us to walk in your way of justice and peace, even when we can’t always see the way forward. Even in darkness, we faithfully await your light! Amen
About the Author
Jeannette is the mother of four amazing adults and two outstanding grandchildren. She lives in the Skagit Valley of Washington state-- near majestic mountains, restless ocean waves, and tulips. She loves the beauty of words and nature and finds joy in riotous color. A pastor, coach, and advocate for women, she’s always ready for coffee and conversation, or a game of UNO with the grands.
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