Advent - Hope

As I write this post, I am very conscious that the deadline for posting has long passed. It is two days since a positive COVID test and my inbox looms large in the background of my work-screen. I’m not feeling my best. This, the aching and general tiredness, and the overall non-stop of work and life leaves me with a slight sense of something I can’t quite describe… dread may be too strong. Unease, perhaps?

We live in ‘interesting’ times. In what may be the largest period of change and upheaval in many years - collectively and individually, we continue to weather the global COVID-19 pandemic, ongoing financial, social and political turmoil, climate and cost of living crises, co-ordinated, unchallenged assaults on human rights, violence, wars, protest and conflict. Thankfully, we do not all live in areas where violence and conflict are most harshly felt, but it is not inconsequential to be concerned about how the next bill will be paid, where the next meal will come from or if the autonomy you currently experience will be withdrawn in the near future.

For me, this year has been one of illnesses (I started the year with COVID too), bereavement and other personal troubles. I’ve previously described it as pandemic ‘hangover’; in some ways this year has been as challenging as the ones preceding it. And so, I have been looking forward to ‘2023’, next year, New Year. But that’s just about time, it’s a human concept. A new number at the top of my calendar won’t really be the difference. That comes from a promise already made, an awesome reality.

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.

Isaiah 9:2

In times of great challenge we can feel like we are walking in darkness, feel alone, betrayed, hopeless. But Isaiah prophesied a great light. So great it could penetrate the deepest darkness, with no concern for culture, circumstance or location. A light so bright it sears through space and time. Is it possible some of us have forgotten to direct our gaze towards it lately?

I love that our advent series is grounded around ‘A Change is Gonna Come’. Change is coming. It’s happening now; it may be difficult to navigate, but it is something to be hopeful for. When considering songs for this subject, many happy, hopeful pieces came to mind… but actually, I thought some considered guidance may be more helpful and therefore selected one of my very favourite songs, ‘Beware of Darkness’ by George Harrison. It is so easy to become overwhelmed in the face of adversity and lose your path, I know it has been such for me at several points this year.

Originally released in 1970, on George Harrison’s first post-Beatles solo album ‘All Things Must Pass’, it is certainly not a Christian song, yet its words and complex melodies resonate with our own challenges over fifty years later. We are warned to beware negative influences; those of celebrities (‘falling swingers’), opportunists (‘soft-shoe shufflers’), and politicians (‘greedy leaders’). It further encourages us to be aware of our lingering negative thoughts, clouding our minds and our true purpose; rather, we should look to the weeping cedar tree - constantly searching for, and growing towards the light.

There are fantastic things happening all around us, collaborations, networks, movements and initiatives, positive influences fighting for justice, equity, a better world; new ground is broken every hour and I know that many of you are making huge sacrifices so that these changes become our reality. Thank you. This brings me hope!

As we celebrate advent, we remember that ‘unto us a child is born’; hope is here, the light has dawned. The light of God shines in this world.

...the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned;

Matthew 4:16

Take care, beware… Seek the light.

-Sarah