Sacred Dark

Darkness typically speaks to oppressive forces in the world. It describes cloudiness, despair, shrouded life where it seems hope is lost. The Psalmist cries out in longing that the darkness is his closest friend.

Darkness also describes evil. In Ephesians, we are told to put on the armor of God in order to face the evil forces of this dark world.

But if you have ever walked outside on a clear night and seen the deep blackness of the sky or sat in a silent dimly lit church on a late night, you know there is also a sacred power to the darkness.

The negative categories for darkness are certainly appropriate. But we must also remember that the darkness is only dark because it is making space for the light. Light is everywhere, even in the darkest of places. The darkness is a holy, sacred stage for goodness to be witnessed.

It is on a cold, dark night that we celebrate the Savior’s birth. Out of our darkness, we are made new. In Advent, we celebrate a God who does not wait for us to leave the darkness, the sacred space where transformation begins. We give glory to a God who makes even the darkness sacred.

In Advent, we celebrate the sacred dark.

Peace to you in the darkness,

Seth