In the season of Advent we speak of light coming into the darkness. Jesus is of course the light of which we speak. We also make reference to our ability to reflect that light, helping to chase away shadows and darkness. We, as bearers of the light, do the same thing as Jesus, albeit on a much smaller scale. But what does that mean? How do we bear light in this season? I have an idea to run by you; perhaps it is something you’d like to do if it resonates with you.

When I think of darkness in the world, it’s not just evil, it’s not just struggle and hardship. Darkness to me is what happens when there isn’t light – when our experience falls into the mundane and/or isn’t exactly life giving. Darkness can be found in boredom, or complacence. In the midst of our day, if we never look up and look around, it can seem a lot darker than it is. One of the reasons we are to let our light shine is because there are undoubtedly people who need to see it. We all know on one level that there is always a bright sun on the other side of storm clouds, or even on the other side of the planet in the depth of night. It’s the moments that the light breaks through the darkness that bring us hope, joy, and a sense of God’s love for us.

So here’s an idea; not a new one, but a repurposed one. I would like to challenge you to some random acts of kindness in this season. One day, when you find yourself having a meal in a restaurant, look around and pick out someone, and tell your server you’d like to pick up their tab anonymously. Or, when you’re in the drive through getting a cup of coffee, buy the coffee for the person behind you in line. Maybe you even want to buy someone’s groceries. Purchase a gift card as you check out, and then hand it to the cashier and tell them to use it for the next person. I guarantee you such acts will change a person’s day, and very well their whole season. 

And to help make the act more impactful I have a further suggestion. Write up a little note ahead of time that you can give to the person who will deliver your anonymous moment of light. I would suggest it read something like this:

Hello friend. We don’t know each other but I wanted to do something nice for you. Because God blessed me, I want to share that blessing with you. You didn’t do anything to deserve it, just as we don’t do anything to deserve God’s love. If you want to pay it back, just do the same thing for someone else. Even better, write a letter to the editor or post on social media and let people know how this gift made you feel – maybe those who read about it will choose to do the same for someone else. The world needs more light and love in it, and now it’s your turn. Know that God loves you, and may God continue to bless you.

Can you imagine what would happen if this spread around our community? When I was home in Pennsylvania earlier this year, the local paper had a number of letters from people thanking their anonymous benefactor. In fact, there was an entire page devoted to such letters one day. I was blown away. Something was going on in that community. There was an army of do-gooders out there, and I have to believe it was making a difference. It gladdened my heart just to read about it in the newspaper, so I can only imagine what it did for the people whose lives it touched. 

Sometimes we struggle to live out our faith in ways that are meaningful, and yes, fun. I think this little idea is one that certainly puts our faith into action and will make us happy in the process. It’s just one more idea for a season of light. Be light. Do good. Share love. Give thanks. It’s what the whole season is about. Two weeks down, two to go. Prepare the way.

Tom+

O God, you made us in your own image and redeemed us

through Jesus your Son: Look with compassion on the whole

human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which

infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us;

unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and

confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth; that, in

your good time, all nations and races may serve you in

harmony around your heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ

our Lord. Amen.                                                            BCP p. 815