In the grand scheme of human history, lightbulbs are a very recent invention. Created in the 1880s, this invention revolutionized the way we live our lives. Light is something we rely on, not just because we are members of the 21st century, but because we are humans, because we are LIVING creatures. Not to mention, our eyes are not created for nightlife. Darkness makes us disoriented, yet there is a certain calmness it brings.

Darkness is also a common motif in literature, specifically the Bible. Darkness often reminds us of sin, depression, separation, exile, oppression, or anything opposite of God.

Before God created the world, there was darkness.

Psalmists talk of God rescuing them from darkness.

When Jesus died, darkness covered the land.

Between the Old and New Testaments there is a time of silence from God- a darkness over the people of Israel. During this time was oppression, sin- and yet, there was still hope. And hope increased as promises were fulfilled.

During Advent, we will be emphasizing the crescendo of hope in the form of light. Although Jesus’ birth was a climactic event of hope, it was not yet revealed to the world. His birth was a single flicker of the hope that was to come.

This week, you are invited to join in the discipline of fasting light. Answer these questions either in your journal, through prayer, or in conversation with a friend.

Practical Application:

Spend an evening sitting in the dark. Start by sitting in complete darkness (try to block out as much light as possible, EVEN your phone) -how do you feel? Sit in the darkness until the point you start to feel uncomfortable (for 5-10 minutes), then sit for at least another minute. As you sit, ponder the feelings of apathy or despair the people of Israel must have felt during the 400 years of silence as they waited for the Messiah. Next, turn on a small light (a headlamp, flashlight, or candle). How do your feelings change? How does the light change the darkness? Reflect on the birth of Jesus, which brought hope and changed the way we understand darkness. This week we are reflecting on the HOPE of Christ. How does this exercise represent hope? Last, was this challenging? Why or why not?