A Light Shining in the Darkness

Last week in Faith Formation, the students reflected on “The Mystery of the Incarnation: Messianic Prophecies” as a way of preparing their hearts for the coming season of Advent. Together they listened to several Old Testament prophecies about the coming Messiah—from Isaiah, Micah, and Numbers. The students took turns reading each prophecy card and then shared which words or images stood out to them: the great Light shining in the darkness, the powerful names of Jesus (“Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace”), the promise of Emmanuel (“God with us”), the humble town of Bethlehem, and the image of a star and scepter/shepherd’s staff pointing to a shepherd-king who comes for all people. They also reflected on how these prophets appear in our Christmas pageant, reminding the whole church of God’s promises.

They also revisited the map of Israel, placing flags on Nazareth, Bethlehem, and Jerusalem to remember that the Incarnation—God becoming human in Jesus—happened in a real place, to a real family, at a real moment in history. This helped connect Advent not just to a “holiday season,” but to God’s long, loving plan to send Jesus into our world and, one day, to complete the Kingdom at the Parousia (Jesus’ coming again).

To connect these themes to their own lives, the students created tissue-paper votive jars, layering pieces of color like stained glass and placing a small light inside. These little “Advent lights” reminded them that Jesus is the Light of the world and that we are invited to carry His light and peace to others as we wait for His coming. 

“Jesus, Emmanuel, Light of the world, make our hearts ready. Help us carry Your peace until You come again. Amen.”