# You Are Our Light – Advent Reflections on John 8:12
*2015-12-07*

> Bill Young reflects on the second Sunday of Advent, sharing a story about a young man with a disability and the importance of recognizing the poor, before reading John 8:12 and offering a prayer for light, hope, and love.

## A Story from the Store

Last night my wife and I went to Hobby Lobby to pick up some Advent candles. While there we met an old friend—a young man who has helped us for three years at the Salvation Army ringing the bell. He lost his hand in an accident when he was young, but he never calls it a disability. He brings his own bucket and stand, and his attitude is always positive.

He told me about his recent experience ringing the bell outside the store. Some shoppers, like a former football player, simply walked past him without a word. That reminded me of the parable of the rich man and Lazarus, where the rich man ignored the poor man who lived at his gate. The story challenges us to see the dignity of every person, especially those who are most vulnerable.

## The Parable and Its Warning

In the parable, the rich man dies and finds himself in a place of torment, while Lazarus is comforted. The rich man begs for relief for his relatives, but the answer is that the chasm is fixed. The lesson is clear: we have been given prophets and Scripture to teach us to care for the needy; we must not ignore that call.

## Second Sunday of Advent Reading

John 8:12 – “Then Jesus spoke again to them, saying, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.’”

## Our Advent Prayer

O Jesus, help us never to forget the meaning of our earthly journey. May the kindly light of faith illuminate our days, the comforting power of hope direct our steps, and the contagious warmth of love stir our hearts. May we keep our gaze fixed on you, the true Light of the world.

*Advent calls us to let Christ’s light shine through us, especially toward those who are most in need.*