This is the first Sunday of Advent. This time of year we reflect and

celebrate the arrival of Jesus. He came into the world not to judge it but

to renew it. The time leading up to his arrival was a dark one

characterized by rebellion, injustice and a longing for wholeness. In the

mist of this less than ideal scenario we read of Jesus’ coming as the one

who brings light into the darkness. He does this in our lives, he runs into

the darkness. His embodied presence and creative power means that we’re not

overtaken by it because his light shines on us. This is our hope and it

grows as we worship the One who can never be put out by the darkness.

By Raul Sandoval