“Almighty God, give us grace to cast away the works of darkness, and put on the armor of light…”
These are the opening words to an Advent prayer for the first Sunday of this holy season. And what a perfect prayer it is.
The Advent season is a time we prepare to celebrate the coming of the “Light of the world”. So, in order to fully embrace the light, we have to put away the darkness that has crept into our lives and our words, thoughts and deeds through the last year. To do that, we need to identify the darkness and every manifestation of it.
We all have darkness within us that we have to overcome. Their names are legion; doubt, fear, worry, anxiety, bitterness, resentment, anger, judgment. intolerance, impatience, condemnation, vengeance, greed and the list goes on to include every human weakness of attitude, behavior and spirit.
The good news is that this darkness can not exist within the light of God’s grace and promise. It can only exist when we turn from the light. This light is within us, and it’s names are also legions; love, hope, peace, joy, faith, forgiveness, compassion, understanding, sacrifice, humility, kindness, gratitude and all the gifts from God.
So, this season, may we turn to God, the source of all light, and ask God to illumine all forms of the darkness that we harbor. Then, let us ask God’s help to cast away the works of darkness, so we may experience the true joy of the season and of the light of the world sent to us, Immanuel, “God with us”. Amen.
Casting away from darkness,
Z gardener
Author’s note: For the remainder of this season, this author will share some thoughts on Advent and the wonderful event for which it prepares us.
Good Morning Garden 
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