The imagery of light is perhaps one of the most easily accessible and understood metaphors in Christian spirituality. Scripture is peppered with references to light, and Jesus frequently uses the metaphor of light throughout the Gospels.
In the Gospel for this Christmas Mass during the Day, Jesus’ beloved disciple, Saint John the Beloved, also goes on and on about light. Here, he’s pointing to the Light of the world. The Light that cannot be overcome by darkness.
The Light, of course, is Jesus Christ. The Word made flesh. (See John 1:14.) The Godman Who humbled Himself to become one of us in order to save us.
John digs deeper. When he writes of the light that shines in the darkness—the light of the human race—John proclaims that the light is the life that came to be through the Word. In other words, the light that banishes darkness in the human race is the life we live in the Lord.
Does our relationship with Christ shine? Are we lights of the Lord?
As we are surrounded by Christmas tree bulbs, fireplaces, and festive burning candles, it’s a worthy consideration. “What came to be through him was life, and this life was the light of the human race . . .” (John 1:4). Are we lit up? Are we so filled with the very life of God that we radiate? Are others able to see God more clearly when they witness our lives?
The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. (See John 1:14.) He gave us His life so that we might have life. And when we live in that truth, we become little lights that illuminate for others the path to Bethlehem, to that Baby in a manger Who is ready to offer them the fullness of His grace.
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This beatified Archbishop shares the real meaning of Christmas. Take a listen.
Olivia Spears lives in Kentucky where sweet tea and bourbon flow like milk and honey. She is the Blog Manager for Blessed is She and works from home as an editor and social media manager. She likes to binge novels and Netflix while raising her children and laughing with her husband. She is a contributing author to our children's devotional prayer book called Rise Up. You can find out more about her here.
