Advent 2021 | Christ, be our light!

Dear Brothers and Sisters of Imago,

I am delighted to invite you to our observance of Advent 2021. The season of Advent marks the beginning of a new year in the Christian calendar. It is a season rich with themes and symbols. From the royal purple hangings and vestments to the lighting of the Advent wreath each week, there is a lot to meditate on and connect with.

This year, I believe the Lord would have us draw out one of those Advent themes in particular that is represented in the Advent wreath tradition. The ancient Church chose this time of year deliberately for the celebration of Christ’s Incarnation because this season in the Northern Hemisphere (where the gospel first spread) sees the days grow shorter and the hours of darkness grow longer. To our ancient forebears in the faith Creation itself crafted a space for learning gospel truth. Even as the literal darkness grows, we are invited to prepare for the coming of the True Light of the World who came into the darkness of sin and
brokenness.

When the gospel came to Northern Europe, where the decreasing daylight was even more pronounced (not unlike here in Maine), the faithful started a tradition of lighting an increasing number of candles through the four weeks of Advent to symbolize the light of Christ increasing in intensity within the growing dark. This year I want to invite you to celebrate this season of growing light in the midst of darkness with me with a corporate heart-cry of, Christ, Be our Light! Inspired by Psalm 27:1, “The LORD is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear?”

Over the last year and a half, it has felt like the darkness and brokenness of the world has been steadily increasing. Many of us still carry a weariness from this pandemic greater than any we have previously known. The economic impact and altering of what we once deemed “normal” has lingered longer than anyone was prepared for. At the same time, the increasing “tribalism” within our society, where people have continued to seek out like-minded groups to band together and point fingers at those who disagree has polarized and weakened our nation and has torn the fabric of our communities. People are disillusioned, struggling with sickness, isolation, doubt, and despair. There is a lot of darkness.

But the message of the gospel, which we will celebrate in fullness on December 24th is that “The light shone in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” This year at Imago we have the opportunity to walk through this Advent season preparing to celebrate that gospel reality, witnessing the increasing light shine against this dark backdrop. We have the opportunity to come together and cry out to the Lord, Christ, be our light!

– Father Steve Hoskins