Our reading for the coming Sunday is John 1:6-8, 19-28.
I cannot help but back up to the beginning of the Gospel according to John and read from the beginning:
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.
There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.
The light shines in the darkness and the darkness did not overcome it.
When I consider the rising number of covid-19 cases combined with a weariness of taking precautions, it is easy to feel as if we are in the midst of a growing darkness. Yet the promise of this season is that "the light shines in the darkness and the darkness did not overcome it."
I invite you to meditate on that verse, to ruminate on it and internalize it. Let it be your reminder when you feel overwhelmed. As we consider this, I commend to you the words of Archbishop Desmond Tutu:
Goodness is stronger than evil;
Love is stronger than hate;
Light is stronger than darkness;
Life is stronger than death;
Victory is ours through God who loves us.
And for that, we give thanks.