Sunday, December 1, 2002 "On The Other Side of Darkness"

" The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light " Matthew 4:16a

When leaving her office building one evening, Carol noticed a man in the far corner of the parking lot. He was bent over, looking at the ground and pacing back and forth. Curious, Carol approached the man and asked, "Are you alright?" "Yes," he said, "I'm fine but I have lost my car keys." Being in no hurry, Carol volunteered to help in the search for the missing keys. Back and forth they walked, systematically searching the corner of the parking lot. No keys were found. Carol then inquired, "So, you are sure you dropped the keys in this area?" "Oh no," came the reply, "I think I dropped them over there where my car is." "They why are you looking here?" questioned Carol. "Because the light is better here," was the response.

What is it we will sacrifice to the darkness? We fear the unknown, the required risk or the possible criticism of others. We fear the language, color, sexuality, economics or education of others that is not like our own. We fear we will fail, that we will look silly or that we will be wrong. We sometimes become the fear we carry. When we do, we sacrifice so much to the darkness. We sacrifice shared wisdom and shared capacity, the joy of partnership, the joy of an excellent try, the courage of a good risk, the ecstasy of being surprised. For all of this resides on the other side of darkness. It is fear that steals it from us.

Advent comes with the greeting, "Be not afraid." God in Jesus Christ is moving among us. This is the good news of Advent. God yet comes. Therefore we shall not fear.

Janet Ellinger


All contents copyright 2002 by the Wisconsin Chapter of the Methodist Federation for Social Action. Permission is granted to United Methodist congregations, individuals and groups to reproduce and distribute this devotional without charge. All other use requires the advance permission of the editor.