Darkness and Light, Life and Glory

 I'm not a morning person by nature.  But I do love the early morning hours when the house is dark and quiet.  Now that the sun is rising later, it's really dark when my alarm goes off at 6:30 a.m.  (Believe me, 6:30 is early for a non-morning person!)   Since I've lived in this house for 12 years, I know my way around pretty well in the dark.  I don't turn on the lights, but just feel my way down to my prayer corner.  Then I light a candle.  The peace restores my soul.

"But even in darkness I cannot hide from you. 

To you the night shines as bright as day. 

Darkness and light are the same to you." Psalm 139:12

In the world, darkness brings out dark deeds.  The term "dark ages" is used for an unenlightened or an unknown time in history.  It brings to mind hopelessness and dispair and even death.  But to Jesus, there is no difference between darkness and light.  Nothing can be hidden from Him and death has no power over Him. 

"The Word gave life to everything that was created,

and his life brought light to everyone.

The light shines in the darkness,

and the darkness can never extinguish it." John 1:4-5

When I come to my quiet place, the darkness makes me feel hidden and private.  But I no longer seek to hide from Him, I come to meet Him.  My darkness becomes light when I seek His face.  That is the heart of Advent.  His coming brings light and life.

So the Word became human and made his home among us.
He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness.
And we have seen his glory,
the glory of the Father’s one and only Son. John 1:14

Sometimes, when it is still dark, I put on my iPod and worship.  If I'm really feeling free, I'll dance!  It may be dark and quiet outside my head, but inside the music is soaring and I'm transported to the light.  And there in those moments, even the darkness is light to me.  I finally begin to understand.  I may be surrounded by darkness - physical or spiritual - but in Jesus' presence I'm bathed in light.  When I feel the darkness invading my heart, all I have to do is run to the one who is the Light of the World. 

 For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever
the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.
So all of us who have had that veil removed
can see and reflect the glory of the Lord.
And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us
more and more like him as we are
changed into his glorious image.  2 Cor. 3:17-18

I love to sing, but I never feel like my voice conveys the emotion of my heart.  I just don't have the pipes.  But when I dance, my spirit is free and I can better express the feelings of my soul.  (Especially when no one is watching but Jesus!)  Dancing makes me feel the glory of God and the ground beneath me becomes holy.  Holy because it becomes an alter and my dance is the sacrifice.

This song is one that speaks to me.  I love to replace the word "stand" with "dance."

With visible breath, I'm calling your name
With visible tracks, I'm finding my way
With a sorrowful heart, I honor this pain
And offer these tears to the rain
In a moment of truth at the top of the hill
I open my arms and let go of my will
And stand with my face to the wind
With the storm beating down on this sacred ground
If I stand for the grace that I've known
For what I believe
Then I won't stand alone
No I won't stand alone

There's a new pair of eyes to embrace all I see
A new peace of mind and it comes quietly
There's a joy in my heart that you've given to me
And I offer this soul's melody

So I beat on my chest till my song has been sung
And I cry like a wolf at the top of my lungs

And stand with my face to the wind
With the storm beating down on this sacred ground
If I stand for the grace that I've known
For what I believe
Then I won't stand alone
No I won't stand alone

When the thundering voices of doubt try to shake my faith, oh
I'll be listening from inside out and I won't be afraid to

Stand with my face to the wind
With the storm beating down on this sacred ground
If I stand for the grace that I've known
For what I believe
Then I won't stand alone
No I won't stand...I won't stand alone

Here's the song sung by Susan Ashton.  She truly does it justice. (You'll need to turn off the music player at the top right of this page first.)

This Advent season, may you find freedom and may you dance with the Light of the World.