This is the first Sunday of Advent. This time of year we reflect and celebrate the arrival of Jesus. He came into the world not to judge it but to renew it. The time leading up to his arrival was a dark one characterized by rebellion, injustice and a longing for wholeness. In the mist of this less than ideal scenario we read of Jesus’ coming as the one who brings light into the darkness. He does this in our lives, he runs into the darkness. His embodied presence and creative power means that we’re not overtaken by it because his light shines on us. This is our hope and it grows as we worship the One who can never be put out by the darkness.