Advent & Christmas at Lake of the Isles
Advent & Christmas at Lake of the Isles
The Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis are rarely seen in the city of Minneapolis, instead, curious seekers are encouraged to flee to the dark, rural countryside if they want to see and experience the mystery of the dancing light. Surprisingly, the Northern Lights brilliantly shimmered in the sky on November 11th. Neighbors around the lake sent their own favorite pictures capturing the mystery and aura of the lights shining over the church.
Throughout the ages, people have sought meaning in the changes in the heavens above. Whether it was the movement of stars, planets, comets, the moon or the sun, ancient nations believed that God was speaking to them through these signs. In the book of Genesis, God tells the prophet Abraham, Look up into the sky and count the stars if you can. That’s how many descendants you will have! In St. Luke’s gospel, Jesus tells his disciples that there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars. The Christmas story itself is filled with the aura of a mysterious light in the sky when the company of angels appear before the shepherds in Bethlehem, and of course, the Wisemen from the East follow the movements of a star. So, you and I are in good company when we look to the skies in search of the Northern Lights.
The season of Advent, with its focus on the true light of Christ coming at Christmas, is not unlike the search for Northern Lights in the midst of the city. We may not be able to see the dancing light of Christ with the streetlights blazing all around us. Indeed, it may be easier to glimpse the true light in the dark solitude of the countryside. But the wondrous light is just above us just the same. It is only when your eyes are ready and prepared to see, that the Northern Lights begin to appear. That is the purpose of the waiting of Advent. It is preparing us to see the true light of Christ entering into our world.
Peace, Pastor Arden Haug
