In the season of advent,

beware of "conquering the dark..."

For a season that is built on the premise of “waiting” for Christmas (read: the Winter solstice, when the days begin to get longer again), it can be easy to slip into language that curses the darkness and frames light as the optimal state of being for which we all are longing. While this works well as a liturgical framework with the actual seasons in mind, it can indirectly weaponize the language of light v. dark.

ELW Advent Prayer After Communion, Option I:

Current Language:

Life-giving God, in the mystery of Christ’s resurrection you send light to conquer darkness, water to give new life, and the bread of life to nourish your people. Send us forth as witnesses to your Son’s resurrection, that we may show your glory to all the world, through Jesus Christ, our risen Lord. Amen.

Alternative:

Life-giving God, in the mystery of Christ’s resurrection you bring light to the earth, water to give new life, and the bread of life to nourish your people. Send us forth as witnesses to your Son’s resurrection, that we may show your glory to all the world, through Jesus Christ, our risen Lord.

See also: The Weaponized Binary of Light & Dark

For other suggestions on light v. dark language...

See also: The Weaponized Binary of Light & Dark

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