Advent Light

The Bible uses light as a metaphor for creation. When and where the light beams, there is life. Consider how these images of light appear in these pivotal moments from the Bible.

Light beams in response to the divine command in the creation story from Genesis (Gen 1:2-3).

Light reflects from Moses'’ face in the giving of the Torah (Exod 34:29).

Light illuminates the path of the Judahites in their return from captivity (Isa 60:1).

Lights in the sky attract the attention of the shepherds, the first witnesses to Advent (Lk 2:8-9).

Everyone thinks that the light they know is the best. The Israelites claimed their light was better than the Canaanites'’ light. The Jesus movement, with their Rabbi Paul, said they saw a brighter light than the Pharisees had seen. The Muslims claimed, centuries later, that their light, their revelation, was clearer and more invigorating that the light of the Jews and the Christians.

This season, every season, this day and every morning, let us walk and bask in the light of our traditions, cherishing them, grateful for them because they give us companions for the journey and illumination for our paths.

Let us also remember that lucky old sun rolling around heaven all day. That lucky old sun knows another truth. That any light we manage to perceive on planet Earth is from a single source. That all these sightings by ancient magi, prophets, rabbis, priests, and storytellers are but emanations of the one true light.

Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.

Greg Mobley
Associate Professor of Old Testament