December 16th, 2024

Our December forest church gathering found us along the banks of Laurel Creek in the twilight hour, as snow softly fell. We reflected together on the fading light and darkness gathering around us. These words went with us into our wandering & wondering time, and when we returned, we lit candles together and shared our reflections.


It is in the darkness that we are able to see the stars, and it is bright light that creates shadows. Light and darkness are incomplete without each other, and either one on its own renders us blind. 

Benedictine monk Bede Griffiths, said, “God is not simply in the light, in the intelligible world, in the rational order. God is in the darkness, in the womb… in the chaos from which order comes… darkness is the womb of life.”  

It is no accident that we mark the start of the new church year with Advent, just as we plunge into the darkness of December here in the northern hemisphere. We begin the church year in darkness, with reflection, honouring that it is in darkness that seeds germinate, in darkness we learn to trust God, in darkness we rest, so that we are strengthened for the work that comes with daylight.
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“In the light of day, the Holy One shows me love.
    When night settles in and all is dark, God keeps me company--
    with a soothing song, a prayerful melody to the God of my life.” 

• Psalm 42:8 (The Voice, paraphrased)

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