Today while I’m visiting the Great White North, my friend Annie Rim is visiting here again with some reflections on today’s Advent readings. You can find more of her writing at http://annierim.wordpress.com/.
Today’s reading is John 3:16-21.
The Denver Botanic Gardens hold a special place in the story of our young family. Frank and I used to meet there every week the summer we began dating; I would pack a picnic lunch and we would walk the paths, getting to know each other. Bea has been going since she was just a few weeks old. She now races through the paths, exploring and pointing out the variety of plants. Every December, the Gardens transform into a wonderland glowing with thousands of Christmas lights. We have been going to the Blossoms of Light for years together. Last year, Bea was bundled snug in the Ergo, wrapped in a muslin blanket, small face peaking out between the folds of Frank’s jacket. This year, she ran the entire route by herself, marveling at the colors and twinkling lights, exclaiming, “Light! Tree! Light!” at every bend.
The lights lead us around the perimeter of the gardens. At one part of the path, farthest from the entrance, past the pond and over a bridge, lights shine down onto the walkway, creating multicolored ovals from above. We stopped to investigate this amazing phenomenon: Bea would put her hand on one of the ovals of light and pull it back, and then a booted toe, and then her mittened hand again. She was in awe that the light was part of her when she stepped into it.
Today’s Advent verses remind me of Bea’s wonder at the lights. God loved us so much that he sent us his Son, not to judge us but to save us. John 3:21 says, “But anyone working and living in truth and reality welcomes God-light so the work can be seen for the God-work it is.” (The Message) Watching such a small person’s fascination with light made me reflect that it is our innate desire as humans to be in the light. We need it for guidance, for warmth, for wonder. When we step into the God-light of truth and reality; when we reveal Jesus in love rather than judgement; when we yearn to bring others into the Light with us, we are reflecting the wonder of Christmas into the darkness. In this third week of Advent, of remembering the light in the darkness, I think of the light represented in the Nativity – of the Magi following the guiding star to Bethlehem; of Mary and Joseph huddled for warmth in the stable; of the shepherds’ awe and wonder at the coming of an infant-king.
How are you stepping into the God-light to wonder during this Advent season?