Wednesday, December 9 “The People Who Walked in Darkness”

Writing a reflection on an Advent hymn felt like an invitation to frolic in my favorite part of any hymnal. Over forty years of congregational ministry, annually planning and sharing in Advent worship was a high and holy privilege. I love hymns both old and new and (no surprise) have many thoughts about these beloved songs. My assignment, however, brought me a text and tune I’d never sung before. The words were familiar, of course. In many versions of Lessons and Carols, the readings highlight the contrast between darkness and light, and some lucky basso gets to sing from Handel’s Messiah. He sings, I listen. Year, after year, after year.

Not this year. This year I read/sing/listen to a new song, as a new voice rehearses the old story once again. Throughout Isaiah, remember, we overhear the prophet speaking to people swallowed up in the darkness of a kingdom divided. People who are plunged into oppression, war, destruction of their homeland, and exile to an alien land.

While I cannot feel their pain, I deeply connect with the feeling of immersion in a disruptive and dark season. And I, too, am looking to the stars. In fact, nightly I walk the length of my city block and home again to look up and see what light I can. Light amidst the darkness.

Hymn author Mary Louise Bringle is my age, as is Sally Ann Morris, composer of the hymn tune ISAIAH. I imagine the three of us sitting together to share and pray verse 3: “the yoke of despair and bondage, the chains and the slave-master’s rod are shattered and scattered like dust in a windstorm loosed by the justice of God.”

I affirm the promise of hope arising year after year and surely again. The light of God which bursts forth on a field near Bethlehem and an Austin city block.

“Silent night, holy night, wondrous star, lend thy light”—light upon all God’s people whose way is darkened still.

– Reverend Bobbi Kaye Jones, Professor in the Louis H. and Katherine S. Zbinden Distinguished Chair of Pastoral Ministry and Leadership