Throughout the season of Advent our

bulletin covers have had a quote from the beginning of John’s gospel: “the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it…” This is a part of John’s introduction of Jesus into the world. He wasn’t satisfied by the birth narratives of those who had written popular gospels before him. He decided to go back to the real beginning – the beginning of creation, during which we think Jesus, the Word, the second part of the Trinity, was the agent that helped make that creation happen. It is appropriate for this Advent season because of our theme of light in the darkness, as well as Jesus’ first and awaited second coming into the world.

And while it is a good reminder in Advent, it is also a good reminder for many of us who know darkness all too well. Darkness doesn’t “come” from anywhere in particular, in the way that light does. Light is emitted, and darkness is simply the absence of light. There are things in this life that seem to drive the light away and chase it into far off corners. But it never goes completely away or goes out. That’s not possible, and has not been possible since those first moments of creation. Like the darkness of a midday severe thunderstorm that blackens the sky, the light continues to shine on somewhere above the thunderheads. It does not require us to see it – it is simply there.

As I say, many of us know about darkness all too well. We encounter it in the hardships of this life. It could be illness, death, job loss, depression, financial worry – there are many dark things that we encounter. We have been walking with some of you through those dark times, and will continue to do so. And also, you have been walking with some of us, who serve this church, and that is what I want to turn my attention to now.

Most of our staff at Christ Church has encountered very real darkness of one sort or another in our own lives this fall and early winter, often in the form of illness and death in our families. From Hope Queener’s cancer diagnosis to Doreann Branch’s shoulder surgery to Rev. Leigh’s and my own family losses, including my dog, to Kathleen’s mother’s transition back to NY – there have been many things going on in a short period of time. One that I think many of you know about is still unfolding: a very bad cancer diagnosis for Charles Lamkin. Charles has been diagnosed with esophageal and lung cancer, and the outlook is not good.

I bring this up because we are truly a community engaged in mutual ministry. I have been so pleased to see how this parish has rallied around members of the staff, myself included, as we encounter difficulties and losses. Thank you. I have seen how we reach out to each other in the congregation, making meals for the freezer ministry and checking in with those who have lost a spouse or are undergoing chemo. Thank you. We are preparing for the Bridge Run/Walk in February, and already have enough people to qualify for teams (there is no upper limit, so please consider walking with us). On that walk we will wear shirts that offer support to those in our community and our families who are cancer survivors or who have lost their battles with cancer. Perhaps there are names you want to submit to Rev. Leigh for those shirts?

I also bring it up because I think you need to know that we all face these things. They affect our lives, our routines, our energy levels and everything in between. These places of darkness affect everything, and they will continue to affect our staff. Hope is still in the midst of her treatment, and Charles will be beginning his soon. So many keep asking what they can do, so here it is: (and this applies to everyone in our lives who faces illness or hardship!)

1. Pray, for the person who is ill and/or grieving and the persons who care for them.
2. Ask how people are doing, and respect their answer or their choice not to talk about details. Most folks appreciate being asked, but they don’t like prying.
3. Make a meal for our freezer ministry. Those meals go to parishioners and staff members alike in times of need. You can offer meals directly to anyone who you think might like one.
4. Don’t tell your horror story of someone you knew with a similar illness or loss. Trust me on this one; most people in crisis around health issues, know the horror stories – they represent the darkest parts of the darkness.
5. Don’t pity them. For those of us with jobs to do, while we may stumble and drop a few balls, that doesn’t mean you can’t continue to ask us for things. It might mean you are a bit more understanding when we make a mistake, but by all means, please keep asking us to do things. For many of us, being busy and having things to do helps.
6. Pray some more.
7. Help someone else you can think of who is in need, because sometimes the person on your heart doesn’t need anything at the moment – but don’t let that intention to help go to waste. Perhaps walking the Bridge in February fits in here…
8. Be light in that person’s life, whatever form that takes. If you can think of anything that they might enjoy, or if you can write a note of support, each bit of light holds off that darkness a bit further and longer.

We know that in each of our lives, when darkness comes, it won’t usually overwhelm us. It can feel that way, but we know better somewhere deep inside. Because somewhere deep inside there is light that shines in the darkness and the darkness has never, nor will it ever overcome that light. We also know that the light can come from others who bring their light and shine it into our lives. Just as each candle on our Advent wreath means more light in the darkness, the same is true of us. When we come together, our light combined is so much greater. This light is the brilliance of the light of Christ, who even now is coming into the world, and who is at the same time already here. That light shines in and around us in darkness, as it always has and always will.

Tom+

Almighty God, we entrust all who are dear to us to your never-failing care and love, for this life and the life to come, knowing that you are doing for them better things than we can desire or pray for; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.