Press the play button to watch the video above or press 'more' to read the transcript of the daily devotion below. Please read Amos 5: 18-27 (use your own Bible or use the link above to access the in-App Bible).

Most of my childhood was spent in the North-East of Scotland, so there were many days that I started and ended the school day in darkness. I would often yearn for the long sunny days of summer. It may be that you are feeling that way now and glad for the cheer that Christmas lights bring to this time of year.

In our reading today a warning is given to those who are longing for the day of the Lord. A warning that when the day of Lord arrives it may not be what is expected. Although we can think of darkness as a physical force, it is also emotional and psychological. As we hear the news of wars, of disasters, of violence on our streets we would be forgiven for crying out to our God to come and bring peace, to bring justice. It may be that you face dark days in your own life: a husband or wife committing adultery, a toxic work environment, a loved one who is terminally ill. We cry out to God to make everything right again.

Amos warns about the answer to our cry. It may not be what we expect. He warns us that when the day of the Lord comes it will not be light that comes it will be darkness. It will be pitch black dark. Why? Because the people have walked away from God. They have gone through the motions in their precious with the Lord God Almighty. They have become a people of darkness rather than light.

I wonder what kind of relationship you have with your heavenly Father. Advent is an early Christmas present, an invitation to reflect on our walk with Jesus. Are there any areas of darkness in your life? What gets in the way of your relationship with God? Are you going through the motions?

Although Amos warns that the day of the Lord will be dark, we can be a people of hope and light because Jesus came to be the light of the world. As the Baptism service reminds us, ‘God has delivered us from the dominion of darkness and has given us a place with the saints in light. You have received the light of Christ; walk in this light all the days of your life.'