Icons of Advent: Light
The Steadfast Light of Christ in a World of Despair
In the midst of the Advent season, the image of lighting a candle serves as a powerful reminder: even a small light has the power to push back the darkness. This theme echoes throughout scripture, even in a time of national hopelessness:
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness—on them light has shined. (Isaiah 9:2)
These words, written during a time of ancient Israel’s exile and despair, speak of a hope that dawns in a place that has experienced darkness for hundreds of years.
Isaiah’s prophecy is fulfilled in Jesus, as noted in Matthew 4. Jesus began his ministry in Galilee, a region still marked by the consequences of exile, becoming the promised light and bringing hope to a place long overshadowed by sorrow. His appearance in a place known for its history of destruction and war shows us that hope rises not by ignoring despair but by confronting it.
The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overtake it.
(John 1:5)
It would be a mistake to think the light of Jesus is an abstract or distant concept; it is personal and transformative. Jesus embodies the promise that God is with us, even in the depths of despair. His presence is not a fleeting comfort or a “cotton candy hope” that instantly dissolves on contact with hardship. Instead, it is a hope that sustains, grows, and transforms us, enabling us to walk through life’s darkest moments.
For those who have encountered despair — whether through personal trials, global crises, or systemic injustices — the light of Christ offers something real. It does not bypass the pain but meets us within it, offering a path forward. And as we walk with Christ through our own struggles, we are transformed into bearers of His light, capable of sharing hope with others.
Light is powerful. Light does not have to battle darkness—it overcomes it simply by being present. Light is. Wherever the light is, darkness cannot be. Sojourner Truth once said, “I will not allow my life’s light to be determined by the darkness around me.” Her words remind us that the light we carry in Christ is not diminished by the world’s despair. Instead, it is a call to action.
This Advent, may we reflect on the light of Christ rising in our own lives. Whether we are currently in a season of despair or standing as a beacon for others, the promise remains: the darkness will not have the last word. The light of Christ is rising, overcoming despair, and offering hope to the world. Let us walk in that light and share it freely, knowing that even the smallest flame can cast the darkness out.
