A light in the darkness: Why we need the hope of advent

The world may seem dark this advent, but that’s even more reason to turn to Jesus, the light of the world. He illuminates the darkness and lightens our load. That’s something worth celebrating, says Rev George Pitcher

To wait for the coming of light this Advent season seems preposterous. It also seems somewhat impertinent, given what has unfolded in the region we’re still pleased to call the holy lands since the unspeakable acts of 7 October.

I feel far from alone in identifying a Christian complacency, rather than hope, in awaiting the coming of the light at Christmas this year. A friend at a central London church tells me that corporate organisers of a number of carol concerts have asked for ‘O come, O come Emmanuel’ to be taken off the playlist. They can’t bring themselves to sing the words: “and ransom captive Israel / that mourns in lonely exile here”.