Advent: In the Land of Noontime Darkness - Friday, December 20
For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the LORD will arise upon you, and his glory will be seen upon you.
Isaiah 60:2
Alaska, of course, is famous as the “Land of the Midnight Sun” which is true on the summer solstice of June 21. It’s quite the opposite on the other end of the calendar.
Tomorrow, on December 21, the sun will barely break above the horizon, and in the extreme north of Arctic Village, the northern-most zip code in the entire U. S. Postal Service, the sun won't even appear. Above the Arctic Circle, the daylight will be totally absent.
How does one survive in such a bleak environment? By the knowledge that the worst of the darkness is over, and each passing day will bring the Village closer to the daylight. It’s more than a metaphor; it is the reality of the light to come. But it is a long, slow climb back.
As forgiven sinners living in a sinful world, it is still far too easy to be overwhelmed by the darkness that sometimes seems to surround us. That’s why the birth, death, and resurrection of Jesus must be constantly proclaimed among us; the sudden, unexpected, and powerful work of God born in a stable.
Jesus has come and will come again in power, glory, and victory. It is God’s message for this day of the Noontime Dark, and for all of our days ahead.
Lord of Light, come into our darkness with your healing and bring us hope. In Jesus’ name, Amen.