For the past several years, the Advent season has been characterized by endless hours of studying, in a last attempt to boost my grades for the semester, while trying to maintain my social life. This has generally been followed by a surrender to the realities of the human body, entering a deep slumber before I finally wake up on Christmas morning to celebrate with my family. Suffice it to say there was not much time given to thoughtful remembrance of the birth of Christ, or of the anticipation of the coming Messiah that the Advent season holds. This past December, I have been blessed with the time and the desire to look seriously at the coming of the Messiah – what it meant for Israel, and what it means for our world. Thankfully, I have been able to move past the frustrations of living in a culture consumed by greed, and have considered the meaning of the hope found in the coming King.
A prominent symbol of Advent is light. We see this in the Advent candles lit during church services leading up to Christmas. The very placement of Christmas at the time of Winter Solstice was originally done to coincide with the days beginning to get lighter. Of course, the reason for this is to celebrate the coming of Jesus, the light of the world. The message of light coming amidst the darkness was a great message of hope for the Israelites, a people suffering from oppression.
There is much darkness in this world. In Nepal, many boys live on the streets while girls are sold into the sex trade. The poorest there do not hold hope for anything different. I must admit, when I consider the young girls in South Asia used for temple rituals, I question God, “How long will you let this continue?” Or as the band Jars of Clay puts it, “Light of the world are you still here?” Sometimes it is hard to see. Sometimes the darkness is too great. So during Advent, many of us turn to the coming of light. And we put our hope in the return of Jesus. But what about now? What about my friends still sniffing glue and the girls still trafficked? Jars of Clay continues, “And are we illuminating?” This is where I believe the answer is to the ‘now’ question. The answer lies in Jesus’ words to his disciples: “You are the light of the world.”
Though the yearly Advent has passed, my advent, or waiting, continues. Like Christians around the world I await the coming of Jesus. I am also awaiting my return to Nepal, where I hope to be a light in the darkness. I am not the Savior. But it is my place to illuminate the light of God.
I anticipate returning to Nepal in February. I wait with eagerness to again be within the Word Made Flesh community in Kathmandu, and among the poor. It is always a joy for me to share of my experiences in Nepal and my plans to return. I believe in what we are doing, and I love inviting others to be a part of this journey. Your prayers, encouragement and support are needed and appreciated. Thank you for showing interest in me and where I am going. I continue to need funds to support this endeavor. If you believe in this, would you consider supporting me financially to meet the needed $1100 a month? A response card is enclosed, and would be much appreciated.
I do believe the light of the world will return. That is where I put my hope. But that light is also in those who choose to illuminate, those who will be vessels of God’s love for the world. Be present with me as I seek to light up the darkness, even as you are a light in your own communities.
You are the light of the world.
peace friends,