Advent Hope in the Patrol Car: Finding Light in Dark Moments
December 13, 2025 | Chaplain Dr. Kevin Lamb, Thomas County Sheriff's Office
"The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned." - Isaiah 9:2
As we move deeper into the Advent season, the nights here in Thomasville grow longer and the darkness settles in earlier each day. For those of you reading this while on patrol, or preparing for another night shift, I want you to know that this season of waiting and watching has a special meaning for those who serve in law enforcement.
The Sacred Watch
The Advent season is fundamentally about waiting in hope; waiting for light to break through darkness, for peace to come to troubled hearts, for justice to roll down like waters. Sound familiar? Every time you put on that badge and step into your patrol car, you're entering into a sacred kind of waiting and watching that echoes through the ages.
In ancient Israel, watchmen stood guard on city walls throughout the night, scanning the horizon for both danger and deliverance. The psalmist wrote, "My soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning" (Psalm 130:6). These watchmen knew something we in law enforcement understand deeply: hope is not passive; it’s active, vigilant, and ready.
Biblical Watchmen and Modern Officers
The parallels between biblical watchmen and today's law enforcement are striking:
The Watchman's Responsibility: In Ezekiel 33:6, God speaks of the watchman's duty to warn the people of approaching danger. Today, you carry that same responsibility, protecting the innocent, warning of danger, standing guard while others sleep safely.
The Long Night Hours: Just as the watchmen of old endured the darkest hours before dawn, you know the weight of those 2 AM calls, the domestic disputes that test your patience, the traffic stops that could go either way. The darkness isn't just physical, sometimes it's spiritual and emotional.
The Hope of Dawn: But here's what I want you to remember: every watchman knew that morning was coming. No matter how dark the night, no matter how long the hours seemed to stretch, dawn was certain. The same is true for us.
Finding Light During Your Shift
So how do we practically live out Advent hope while on duty? Here are some ways I've seen work for officers in our department:
1. Start Each Shift with Purpose Before you clear with dispatch, take a moment. Pray this simple prayer: "God, help me be Your light in dark places today. Give me wisdom, courage, and compassion." You're not just clocking in, you’re answering a calling.
2. Look for the Light Bearers During every shift, intentionally look for people bringing light into darkness. The teacher staying late to help struggling students. The neighbor checking on the elderly couple. The store clerk who treats everyone with dignity. You're not the only light out there; you’re part of a community of light bearers.
3. Carry Hope in Your Toolkit Along with your radio, handcuffs, and weapon, carry hope. Sometimes it looks like taking extra time to really listen to someone's story. Sometimes it's offering a kind word instead of a citation. Sometimes it's simply showing up when called and being fully present.
4. Remember Your 'Why' When the calls get heavy and the night feels long, remember why you chose this profession. Most officers I know didn't get into law enforcement for the pay or the glory; they got in it to make a difference, to serve others, and to bring some order to the chaos.
The Ultimate Light
The beautiful truth of Advent is that the light we're waiting for has already come. Jesus said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life" (John 8:12). That means when you're driving those dark county roads at 3 AM, you're not driving alone. When you're walking into a dangerous situation, you're not walking alone.
The light that came into the world over 2,000 years ago is the same light that rides with you in your patrol car today.
A Word to Our Community
To our Thomas County community reading this: when you see one of our officers during this holiday season, remember they're out there maintaining the watch so you can celebrate safely with your families. They're modern-day watchmen, standing guard in the darkness, waiting and hoping for a better dawn for all of us.
Closing Prayer
Lord, we thank You for our officers who serve as watchmen in our community. During this Advent season, fill their hearts with hope that doesn't disappoint. When they encounter darkness, whether in dangerous situations or in human hearts, remind them that Your light is stronger. Help them to be carriers of that light wherever they go. And bring them safely home to their families each day. In Jesus' name, Amen.
If you're an officer struggling with the darkness you encounter on the job, please reach out. I am here for you 24/7. You can reach me at 229.200.3346 or through dispatch. You don't have to carry the burden alone.
Stay safe out there, and remember, the dawn is coming!
Chaplain Dr. Kevin Lamb
Thomas County Sheriff's Office
Thomasville, Georgia
