“In the beginning was the Word… and the Word was God.
He was with God in the beginning.
In Him was life and that life was the light of men.
The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it.
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.”
(John 1:1,14)
These are troubled times, both literally and figuratively. For we have reached the darkest and bleakest part of the year, when the shadows of night far outweigh the bright light of day.
Across the globe and here at home, news reports are less than encouraging. Things have become so mind-numbing, there are days we must tune it out to maintain some semblance of balance and sanity in our lives. And it just continues.
The violence we are confronted with is tremendous; unspeakable tragedies, deepening economic struggles and privation. Government policies which change direction daily, and with a total disregard for the rule of law, wear us down. The trust and respect we have accorded esteemed institutions of longstanding are trampled underfoot, and ground into dust. To this must be added those challenges we also face on a personal level.
Taken all together such circumstances have the power to chill both heart and soul. Thus, dimming the coloured lights of the Season, and turning the notes of beloved carol songs flat and tuneless. This is the state of the world which will greet the Christ Child in 2025.
And it is not a pretty picture.
Yet it is the very reason why celebrating Christmas becomes so important!
We need to be reminded that amidst the present maelstrom which defines our world, lies the hope of a better and more peace-filled time to come. It is that Light which heralds and surrounds the birth of Christ every December 25th which fuels this hope.
Nature echoes it with the coming of the winter solstice. When once again the light returns, and the darkness begins to ebb. The sun rises ever higher in the sky, sending the long nights into retreat. A sign for that life which is hidden deep within the earth, to awaken and send forth its tender shoots towards the hope and promise which is springtime.
Just because we cannot see, or in some cases, feel the hope…
doesn’t mean that it is not there.
Over and across the years; nations rise and fall, leaders come and go, governments fail in their time. It is the Light which endures and ultimately prevails. That Light which shines in the darkness, during the most trying and difficult of times, kindles a flame of hope in our hearts – and in our lives. The hope which fuels the strength needed, so we might find the perseverance to take one more step, one more day… regardless of circumstance.
Christ, the Word,
brought that Light into the world.
And so, we acknowledge and celebrate Christmas every year with such joy!
For He is the Light which helps us overcome the darkness that feels so prevalent…
giving us the hope of a better tomorrow,
so we may get thru today.
Wishing you a Merry Christmas… A New Year of Light and Hope!
4 thoughts on “The Light”
Thank you for your always insightful words, full of grace!
Thank you for the encouragement and support. Christmas blessings my friend!!!
Sooooo true, Bev.
“Oh yes, we need a little Christmas, right this very minute, candles in the windows, carols everywhere…..”
Merry Merry,
Michelle
And a very Merry to you and yours!!!!