From Darkness to Light
This Sunday, the Cathedral will once again hold its Advent Service of Darkness to Light. The service takes us through readings and prayers from darkness to the light of the promised Messiah.
The introduction to the order of service says:
Christ described himself as ‘the light of the world’. The service begins in darkness, but light will gradually fill the Cathedral as the procession moves from west to east, just as the Word of God brings light into our hearts and lives. Then, at the end of the service, the procession will return, symbolising Christ’s second coming.
Light plays an important symbol in the service. We begin in total darkness and, as we move through the Cathedral, more and more light is displayed through the candles that people hold and through the lighting in the Cathedral. The building gets transformed from an imposing dark structure to a warm, welcoming and engaging space.
There are times in our own lives when darkness overtakes us. It maybe that we are ill, it maybe the death of a loved one, or it may be the sheer challenges that life is giving us, but in that darkness there will be glimpses of light as people rally around to support us and care for us.
As Christians we believe that in the darkest of times the light of Christ will shine. We may not see it at the time of darkness, but, as we move form darkness to light, we will see the light of Christ as we look back.
So, as we begin our Advent Journey, let us pray and hold before God the darkness and let us hope and pray that the light of Christ will continue to shine.
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