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Dear People of Ascension,

As I write this I can see a neighbour's Christmas tree all lit up in their front window.  It seems to be light this year that strikes me deeply.  Light on a bright sunny day, especially after cloudy, snowy days.  The light of the candles in our sanctuary during our evening service last week.  And the light of Christmas trees - my own and others.   Small, persistent lights breaking through the darkness.

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light...

This text from the prophet Isaiah will be a focus of my homily tonight, Christmas Eve.  Our world has always presented us with its fair share of dark times.  Covid is not so long ago!  Yet these days feel especially dark.  When so many are turning more quickly to anger, hate, division and intolerance, it feels especially dark.

We, as people who follow Jesus, are invited to follow the one who is light.

Jesus said, in the gospel of John, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.”

I believe it is imperative that we work together to understand what it means to follow the light of Jesus.  For ourselves - for our own healing, comfort and strength, but also for the world!  This isn't about overt religious conversion, it is about the deep and abiding truths of God made known to us in Jesus.  Care for the poor, support for the weak, love for those oppressed and rejected.  Until we can, together, find ways to make our world a place where all people can find hope, we cannot rest.

It is a challenging task when we ourselves are weary.  To persevere in prayer, good works and faith can feel like a pointless effort. 

This is why the church year brings us, time and again, back to the story of Christmas.  Back to the reality of God's light breaking into our darkness.  

Take time this Christmas season (remember - it lasts 12 days, all the way until Epiphany) to contemplate light.  Look for it in your life.  See where it peaks through.  Cherish it, reflect upon it and most importantly, whenever and wherever you can, share it.

As the poster in our narthex reminds us...

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has. ~ Margaret Mead

May you and those who gather with you be blessed by the light that you share.  May it warm your hearts, strengthen your spirits and bless you with every good thing God has in store for you and the world!

With Peace this Holy Night, 

Ruthanne

For those interested in the sparks of light that our own church is offering to the world, please have a look at these links:

Click Here to Read Primate's Letter

Click Here to Read Article about Christian Nationalism Statement