Two weeks ago, I attended the Darkness to Light service at Salisbury Cathedral, marking the start of Advent. This was the second of three similar services held that weekend, and people queued for over two hours for each of them. While the Advent themes were introduced and the choir and clergy processed the length of the Cathedral, the building was gradually illuminated by the lighting of 1000 candles. And at the end of this dark and difficult year for Salisbury, the Cathedral went beyond the usual proceedings, bringing additional light in the form of a huge glowing globe, hanging over the spire crossing, neon trees in the cloisters and a wave of flashing lights in the Close.
However, for me, one of the most beautiful moments came right at the beginning of the service when the lights were switched off and we stood, 1800 people, in the immense darkness. Together we turned to face the west end of the church and silently, eagerly waited for the first candle to be lit.
Advent can be a crazy juggling act of work deadlines, Christmas parties, concerts, carol singing, present buying and card writing. I can use the over-crowded days and bright Christmas lights to distract from the long winter nights, the confusion in the country, the despair I sometimes feel with the world. But maybe, in this final run-up to Christmas, we should find a moment to stand in the darkness. Stand with our fears. Stand with each other. And wait. Wait expectantly for the true light, the source of all our light, and life and hope.
Susannah Woodd
