As I write this, I sense that the “tone of the times” seems focused on the brokenness around us. Whether the discussion is political, economic, social, or personal, the tendency is to zoom in on the uncertainty and challenges ahead.
In such dark times, the Christmas message brings renewed encouragement. As Isaiah foretold so powerfully, “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).
John continues that theme in describing Jesus’ arrival this way: “In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it…The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world” (John 1.4-5,9).
The scriptural testimony is clear: darkness, pervasive as it may sometimes seem, will never again have the upper hand, because light—unstoppable, unquenchable, unending light—has arrived among us. To borrow from a Christmas carol, “A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices, for yonder breaks a new and glorious morn!”
As Jesus confirms in his own words in John 8.12, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” The Christmas promise, confirmed in the Easter morning victory, is that we need not fear the darkness, because the light of Christ overcomes!
With this encouragement, each Christmas is also a new opportunity for us as Jesus’ followers to commit ourselves to a life of “light transfer.” Jesus put it to us directly: “You are the light of the world…. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5.14,16).
This Christmas season, allow me to challenge us to celebrate the Light among us, then choose to commit ourselves to sharing that Light with others as God continues to drive out the darkness around us: “Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, ‘children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.’ Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life” (Philippians 2.14-16).
Merry Christmas blessings to all of you!