We are in the last few days of this Advent season, the season in which we focus on the coming of the Messiah into the darkness of our world - both as a tiny baby lying in the manger and the expectant waiting for his return in great glory, the King of kings and Lord of lords. God's salvation has come and his deliverance has been revealed. And as Christians, we await the second coming when the fullness of his deliverance will be realized in all of creation. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” (Revelation 21:3-4)
Yet, here we are in the "between times" where there is most definitely pain, mourning, tears and suffering. Unimaginable acts of violence, famine, natural disasters, fears and worries confront us daily, even hourly. The world can be and is a frightening place. How do we keep justice and do righteousness in this dark world? Recall the words from Micah 6:8: He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? (Micah 6:8)
How is this possible? For me, the answer is in that last phrase: Walk humbly with your God. Follow him, allow him to be the Lord of your life - all aspects of your life. Allow him to love the unlovable through you, to give you a heart of compassion and mercy towards the sick, wounded and afflicted, to be his light in the darkness, to share the good news of God's salvation and deliverance, freedom to those who are in prisons of guilt, anger, shame, bitterness or unforgiveness. To keep justice and righteousness is impossible on our own. Only through the work and power of the Spirit can there be true justice and righteousness. Only by abiding in Christ, living and walking in his strength, can we ever know peace in a world of confusion, pain and sorrow.
God's peace does not come from turning a blind eye to suffering, trying to be untouched or removed. Peace in the midst of suffering can only come from knowing that God is good, he is sovereign, he is holy. He is intimately aware of every detail, he sees every tear, he hears every prayer. In the face of evil, God is greater.
The light of Christ has come into the world. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not [cannot] overcome it. (John 1:5) That's the truth, the good news of Advent. The world needs this news. Those who are surrounded by the darkness are crying out for the light to break through. In God's infinite wisdom, he has chosen you and me to be his light bearers.
- “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. (Matt. 5:14-16)
- For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. (2 Cor. 4:6)
- Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life.... (Phil.2:14-16)
- Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12)
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