Advent Thought 21

Poland had experienced something quite remarkable in the summer of 1980 when a wave of labor strikes swept the country, yes, labor strikes but something even more, a movement of solidarity in the defense of human dignity-hence "Solidarnosc" as it is known here.  The strikers exhibited unusual self-control and confidence in the face of the totalitarian state.  However, a year later with the economy disintegrating and the threat of a Soviet invasion hanging over the nation, the communist party instituted a state of martial law-on Dec 13.  Polish tanks and soldiers were everywhere enforcing the new control.  A brilliant move...who would dare fight their own brother, husband or father, it seemed.

I can recall the day even now almost as if it were yesterday because I was deeply engaged in Poland, loved its feisty people plus admired what courage the people had shown.  Hearing the news for me was like entering into a cloud of deep darkness and gloom which was also attempting to sweep the nation with hopelessness and despair.  The next period of time proved to be an enormous test of resolve for the people.  Would they succumb to that hopelessness or would they hold onto hope?

A very interesting phenomenon happened during that period of time.  As a symbol of hope and solidarity, people began to place candles in their apartment windows.  One could go through the high rise apartment building districts and see a single candle burning in nearly each window, each candle announcing "We are not giving up hope."  These huge apartments building dimly lit by hundreds of single candles burning was a truly moving sight.  It was a powerful symbol and was imitated in many places in the world.  It even caught the attention of the new president of America, Ronald Reagan, and he and his wife took to lighting a single candle in the White House window as a sign of hope and solidarity with the nation.  (A small gesture but many Poles still recall with fondness the gesture.)

I want to quote from Muggeridge again: "Let us rejoice that we see around us on every hand the decay of institutions and instruments of power...For it is precisely when every earthly hope has been explored and found wanting...that Christ's hand reaches out sure and firm."  I wish to juxtapose that quote with a verse addressed to the people of God which seems to run parallel with this.  "Arise, shine, for your light has come and the glory of the Lord is risen upon you.  For behold, the darkness shall cover the world and deep darkness the people but the Lord will arise upon you  The Gentiles shall come to your light and kings to the brightness of your rising."  We as the people of God have our best days before us if we take that extended hand.