Sunday Summary: The Advent Conspiracy - Part 3 : Light in the Darkness

Sunday's scripture came from Luke 1:57-80 (The Voice), and depicts the birth and Jewish naming ceremony of John the Baptist. Elizabeth had her baby and the news quickly spread through the community, about the story of a barren woman who had given birth. Eight days after he was born, the time came for his circumcision and naming.

Everyone assumed he would be named Zachariah, after his father. But Elizabeth insisted his name would be John. When they asked Zachariah, who was still unable to speak, he wrote, “His name is John.” This breach of family custom surprised everyone. And at that moment, Zachariah was able to talk, and he shouted out praises to God in song (called the Benedictus):

"May the Lord God of Israel be blessed indeed! For God’s intervention has begun, and He has moved to rescue us, the people of God."

The first part is a song of thanksgiving for the realization of the hopes of the oppressed nation is Israel. The second part is addressed to his son, who would play an important role in the redemption:

"And you, my son, will be called the prophet of the Most High. For you will be the one to prepare the way for the Lord..."

Step back for a moment and consider that Zachariah had been silent for 9 months. It was a time of thought and reflection for him and it's likely that he gave serious thought to the possibility of what was coming. If you were unable to speak, what would you think about?

His silence is symbolic of a people living in oppression. The world he lived in was one of anguish and persecution. Legions of Roman soldiers stood guard in Judea, often carrying out brutal and violent attacks. Its citizens were expected to keep in line with the decrees of Rome, lest they face torture, imprisonment, or death. It was a world of hardship and suffering and darkness.

An angel had come to him and foretold of liberation from this injustice, and yet he was unable to speak of it. When the time came for him to say something, he was prepared. His silence was lifted. The messiah was coming and God was about to fulfill thousands of years of prophesy by lifting up these people. They were filled with hope for what lie ahead and called to trust in God.

Following the The Advent Conspiracy movement, the focus this week is on giving more. 

What weighs heavy on our hearts and minds in today's world? What darkness and persecution and injustice do we see happening around us? How will we get involved? What will we give to the world?

"This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine." - lyrics from a gospel children's song by Harry Dixon Loes, circa 1920

When we choose to follow Christ, we enter this story. The world today is broken in many ways and still needs prophets. It still needs messengers and people of God to prepare the way. We are all called to the task... believers and doubters, saints and sinners. We are called to be the light. We can come together as a community and stand for peace and justice and God's love. We can be a people proclaiming light in the darkness.

Go. Be. Do.

Written by Kay Weiss, guest blogger