By Lexi Cole
“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness, a light has dawned.”
The candles glimmered in the dark room. The lights of the Christmas trees sparkled. The glow on the congregants’ faces flickered. And in the midst of all of that, we sang a song and then recited a liturgy that spoke of the longing we have for Christ, our Light. This night, I was reminded of the Old Testament prophets, who longed for their Savior to come. As we celebrate our Savior’s birth, I am also reminded that we are in a time of waiting, as well. Jesus’ birth, life, death and resurrection were the beginning of restoration and of the establishment of His kingdom here on Earth; however, it is not yet completed until He returns again. That night, we sang “Glorious Light” and the third verse proclaims, “There is a day all creation has longed for, when all of time has been spent and the Lord returns. His song we’ll repeat, as heaven complete; promised peace that will fill the nations. Glory to God in the Highest, peace to men on Earth. Come and adore with wonder, Christ, Lord of Heaven and Earth.” (1) To end the night, we recited an old Scottish liturgy that mirrored this idea of longing. With that, we recognize the past incarnation of our Savior, we see the present of waiting for Christ’s return and we look forward to the future of His coming.
“The nights have drawn in – long summer evenings are but memory;
winter is upon us – and darkness surrounds us.
We wait in darkness, Lord, for the coming of your light.
Our world is shadowed in darkness:
of oppression,
of pessimism,
of helplessness.
We wait in darkness, Lord, for the coming of your light,
trusting in Your promise that Yours is a light that no darkness can overcome.
The Lord is our light and our help,
calling us to look beyond the darkness to the promise of His coming.
We wait in joyful hope for the coming of our Savior…
And as we wait in joyful hope…may God hold us in the palm of His hand. Amen.” (2)
GOING DEEPER:
1. Take a moment to pause and reflect on this liturgy. What speaks out to you?
2. How does this concept of longing and wait change the way you live your life this holiday season?
FURTHER READING:
John 1:1-11; Isaiah 9:2-7
Lexi is an Elementary Education major at Bethel University, currently studying abroad in Scotland. The last two summers, she’s been the Children’s Ministries intern at Oakwood.
(1) “Glorious Light” Keith & Kristyn Getty & Ian Hannah. Copyright Thankyou Music 2004.
(2) Selections from “Longing for Light” liturgy from the Church of Scotland
