My husband, Mike, and five other folks from Spirit of Christ recently returned from a trip to Juarez, Mexico. Mike has coordinated a housebuilding mission called Southern Exposure for many years in that poverty stricken border city.  Throughout those years many people from Spirit of Christ, as well as countless others from throughout the United States, have generously supported and participated in building houses for extremely poor families in Juarez.  The builders have also come to love the Mexican people and culture. 

You are probably aware of the terrible violence that has engulfed Juarez as a result of the turf war between rival Mexican drug cartels.  It is a time of great darkness for that city which was already home to enormous human suffering.  The violence is bringing the economy of Juarez to a standstill.  The colorful market area in the center of the city is three-quarters shut down.  People are leery of being caught in crossfire when they venture out on the streets.  The violence and the devastation it is causing seem to be insurmountable. 

Into the expanding darkness of late autumn days comes again the season of Advent.  How many people on our earth live in the darkness of desperate fear as do the people in Juarez?  In Haiti?  In the Middle East?  In Africa?  In Colorado?  In our homes?  How many search for light and hope in the darkness? 

 I am the Light of the world.  Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life. (John 8:12)

Once again we approach the Advent season.  Once again we are invited to be watchful, to quietly listen to the stories of both despair and hope that abound in our world, and to wait for the Light who is to come into the world.  This Advent let us also rejoice in the Light already present in our lives, its steadfastness, its radiance, its promise.  This Advent let us be Light-bearers through our prayer, caring and compassion for those whose lives seemed overwhelmed with darkness.  In so doing, we point to the source of light, Jesus, who came as one of us to shatter the darkness.

Advent Blessings, Back to Top