Light In The Darkness

God created the sun and the moon, all the stars and planets, and as a result, even at night there is a light that shines.  That’s because the sun is always shining, and at night, in the darkness of the sky, the moon, planets and stars all reflect the sun.  It was a star that led the Wisemen to baby Jesus.

As we draw closer to Christmas, I am reminded that throughout December the days have gotten shorter – the shorter the day, the longer the darkness of night.  We celebrate Christmas December 25th, even though that is not the actual day Christ was born.  Nonetheless, it’s as if Christmas Day reminds us that the Light of Christ came to us in the darkest of times.

Winter Solstice begins on December 21st.  The days begin to get longer, catapulting us into Spring and eventually to the Resurrection of Christ, when the Light of Christ fills the universe.  Not even the darkness of the tomb could overcome the Light of Christ.  The Light of Christ continues to shine in our darkness and “the darkness (cannot) overcome it.”  Even if there is a total eclipse, the sun does not stop shining.  Even in the shadow of valley of death, the Light of Christ guides us and leads us and it shatters the darkness that can so often envelop us.

As you prepare to celebrate the birth of Christ, light a candle, say a prayer - our momentary times of darkness are temporary, but the light and life of Christ is eternal.

Isaiah was referring to the hope of the coming Messiah, Jesus Christ, the Light of the World.  There are still people today who are walking in darkness: without hope, without joy without peace, and without love.  May the Light of Christ be revealed to them as it is reflected through each of us.