IN OUR DARKNESS – LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE!

In the Name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.

Your Majesty, Your Eminence Ambassador of France, Excellencies of our Government and the Corps Diplomatique in Oslo, Brother Bishop, dear sisters and brothers here in the Church of St. Olav.

With December we are in the darkest season of the year. On November 13 a different darkness came over Paris and France. A barbaric massacre killed 129 persons and wounded 350. Four years ago we experienced the same darkness in our country, and tonight we share the pain and the mourning of the French people.

In this darkness candles have burned with their light in cities all over Europe, also outside the French Embassy here in Oslo, and by our city hall two weeks ago. In our churches candles have been lit and prayers said, flames of solidarity with the victims and their families. They have also been signs of protest against the evil acts, that this darkness shall not overcome the light and freedom of our societies.

In the house of God we tonight again commit the victims into the hands of God and pray for their families. The many candlelights reflect our prayer: “O Lord, give them eternal rest, and let Your light shine upon them”. We see the faces of young individuals, and we commit them all to the mercy of God who is the Father of all, above all, through all and in all. In these prayers we do not retreat or escape from the reality of evil, but they are a protest against evil and a new commitment to Him who is the fountain of life. In His light we again experience and see light.

In the last weeks not only Paris has been the target of the barbaric terrorism of ISIL. Beirut has experienced the same, civil war and brutal killings continue in Syria and Iraq, and in African countries communities are hit by similar attacks. Our global community is under threat, humanity suffers, and we long for a new day.

The book of Psalms says that justice and righteousness is the foundation of the throne of God. He leads the nations on the path of justice and peace and asks us to join in. In our democratic societies the task of our authorities is to protect the citizens, to prevent violence and to uphold justice, peace and freedom. With this immense task our leaders and authorities also need our prayers and candlelights, our support and encouragement – in our respective countries as well as in their involvement with the Middle East.

This week the Jewish People all over the world celebrate their festival of lights, Hanukkah. In their synagogues and homes they pray: “My soul is sated with trouble, my strength is consumed with grief.” But they also profess: “O God, my rock and saving stronghold, to praise You is a delight.” In our Christian tradition we now light the Advent candles, and we look forward to Christmas – to celebrate His coming whom we confess is the light of the world. In the Gospel reading we heard His words of blessings to us:

“Blessed are those who mourn; they will be comforted.

Blessed are the meek; they will inherit the earth.

Blessed are those who hunger for righteousness; they will be filled.

Blessed are the merciful; they will be shown mercy.

Blessed are the peacemakers; they will be called sons of God.”

With these blessings we commit the victims and their families into the hands of God. We listen to His words, not as an echo from the distant past, but from a Resurrected and Living Lord. He comes to us from the other side of death, opens his arms and says: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

These blessings of Jesus also point to the path ahead of us who are still alive and shall carry the burdens of everyday life in our communities and in fellowship with one another. How do we overcome evil, how do we build a society of freedom, respect and charity? Jesus carried the cross, but also conquered death. Now He invites us to follow Him on His path of peace making and mercy, of righteousness and meekness. These are the gifts of God to us in Christ, and our gift to one another and to our surroundings.

This is a path that begins within - within our own lives and within our fellowships and communities. The Apostle Paul said: “Love does no harm to its neighbour… The night is soon over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armour of light.” And Jesus repeated again and again: “Fear no! Do not be afraid. I am with you.”

Tonight Paris is in our hearts and minds. We are more than aware that our societies and our lives are vulnerable. Our world – our common home - is threatened in various ways. Tonight we therefore also light candles and pray for the UN climate conference in Paris. We are committed, and we commit the future of the earth into the hands of God. With this commitment we pray: “O God, give peace to our vulnerable home, and let Your light shine upon Your creation.”

Glory to the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now and forever will be, One God from eternity to eternity. Amen.