Christmas is often referred to as the “Season of Light.” This is evident in our communities when bright lights decorate homes and Christmas trees. This season of light typically comes at the darkest time of the year—the winter solstice. It is when the sun is at its lowest point in the sky, resulting in the shortest days and longest nights of the year. For many cultures, the winter solstice marks the start of the winter season and is celebrated as a time of renewal and hope. It is also a time when the darkness is seen as a metaphor for the challenges and struggles that we may face in life, and the light represents the potential for growth and overcoming those obstacles.
As we enter the Christmas season, we are reminded of the light that entered the world with Jesus’s birth. In times of darkness and despair, Jesus’ arrival brought hope and the promise of salvation.
Like many children, I was terrified of the darkness as a boy. I remember focusing on that little light in the corner of my tiny bedroom. If that little light ever went out, I would panic if there was a power outage, because I felt alone and was terrified that I would never be found in the darkness. That’s what the darkness can do to you—make you feel alone and lost, with no hope for a way out. But as soon as that little light came back on, it was a sign that I was not alone, not lost, but could see a way in the darkness. When I saw the light, I knew it would be ok.
Just as the flame of a candle can chase away the darkness in a room, so too does the light of Jesus chase away the darkness in our lives. When we welcome Jesus into our hearts, we are filled with his love and grace, and we can overcome the struggles and challenges we face because we no longer meet them alone.
In the Gospel of John, it is written that “in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.” (John 1:4-5).
Jesus says, “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) This simple yet powerful statement reveals the true nature of Jesus and his role in our lives.
But the light of Jesus is not just for us as individuals. It is also for the world around us. As followers of Jesus, we are entrusted with the sacred duty of sharing this light with others and bringing hope and healing to those in the darkness. When you see that light, remember you can be that light.
By being the light, we expose the darkness in our society. We see the darkness of poverty and inequality—the darkness of exclusion, injustice, prejudice, and discrimination. Shining a light on these issues can bring awareness and understanding to them and be a first step towards addressing them. We can be a light that helps create a brighter, more equitable future for all. We can advocate for policies and programs that address poverty and inequality and promote inclusivity and fairness for everyone. All of us can work together to create a society that is fair and just for everyone.
We can do this by showing love and compassion to those in need. This might mean reaching out to a struggling neighbour, volunteering at a local charity, or simply offering a kind word to someone hurting. By doing these things, we embody the light of Jesus in the world and bring hope to those in need.
There is no doubt that our world is currently facing many challenges and difficulties. From war, political instability, and economic uncertainty to the ongoing threat of climate change and the long-term effects of the pandemic, many issues are causes for concern. However, it is essential to remember that humanity has faced and overcome adversity in the past, and with God, we will do so again.
In the nativity scene, we see the Christ Child lying in the manger—the light of the world in the face of a vulnerable baby. But that same light shines in the tent encampments, the homeless shelters, the hospital emergency rooms, the war-torn cities in the Holy Land and Ukraine, and so many other places. It shines because no darkness can ever overtake it.
Jesus, the light of the world, shines brightly in a world filled with darkness and despair. He is the source of hope and joy, offering us a path out of the darkness and into the light. When you see the light, you can be the light.
As we celebrate Christmas, let us remember the light that came into the world with the birth of Jesus. Let us allow that light to shine in our hearts and lives so that we can be a beacon of hope and light.
+Samuel, Eastern NL
