Rt. Rev. Peter Coffin - Bishop Ordinary

“The light shines in darkness and the darkness has not overcome it.”

(Saint John1:5)

Some thoughts on the mystery of this Holy Season

Dear Friends,

As we enter the Holy Seasons of Advent and the Incarnation of our Lord and then Epiphany we find ourselves immersed in a time of profound mystery and joyful hope.  Our God comes to us!  Zechariah proclaims that his son, John the Baptist, will herald “the tender mercy of our God whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us; to give light to them that sit in darkness and to guide our feet into the way of peace”. (The Benedictus – Luke 1:78-79).  At Christmas we rejoice that the Word was made flesh and dwells among us (John 1:14) as he continues to do.   Indeed, before he ascended Jesus said to his disciples then and now: “I am with you always to the close of the age”.   As Simeon presents the Christ Child in the temple he proclaims that this child is the salvation of all people, “a light to lighten the nations and to be to the glory ofIsrael”. (Luke 2:29-32)  Imagine how far that light has travelled since these words were spoken!

The days grow shorter and then the bleak mid-winter comes.  But the sky seems clearer and the stars shine brighter.  On dark streets the street lights and the Christmas lights, seem to defy the darkness with joyful colour.  It is almost as if, in defiance of darkness, there is expectation of the true light that is coming into the world, and that “the light shines in darkness and the darkness has not overcome it.” (John 1: 9)  As you walk in the snow on a cold winter’s night, revel in the light.

We all have our personal times of darkness and are very much aware of the many things that cast shadows on the lives of others.  It is certainly a part of the experience of those who live in the context of military service.  This is a vocation that enters the places of fear, conflict and humanitarian need.  Wherever we are, we need to know that in the midst of all of this Jesus is present and that even in the darkness drear there may be light and some hope that, to quote the 14th century mystic, Julian of Norwich: “All shall be well and all manner of things shall be well”.

This Holy Season is indeed festive with good reason.  We live in the realization that Jesus has come and lives amongst us and that every new morning there may very well be another personal Advent, a Divine encounter with him in our own lives.  “How silently, how silently, the wondrous gift is given… No ear may hear his coming; but in this world of sin, where meek souls will receive him, still the dear Christ enters in”.***   May we prepare a room for him in the inn of our own hearts.  May we trust that “he will be a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path”. (Psalm 119:105)

May all of us feel the presence of Jesus anew this Holy Season and may we be light to each other so that even if darkness is not totally dispelled it will continue to be overcome in and through those who bear the light of Christ in their hearts.

Let us rejoice in Emmanuel – God with us.

“O Come, let us adore Him!”

+Peter

Anglican Bishop Ordinary

(The Right Reverend Peter Coffin was appointed by the Primate to the position of Bishop Ordinary (Anglican) to the Canadian Forces in November 2004.)

 *** From “O Little Town of Bethlehem” written by Phillips Brooks (1835-1893) for his parish Sunday School after a visit to theHoly Land. He later became the Episcopalian Bishop of Massachusetts.