Most people today put lights up at this time of year, if not in their garden then at least on a Christmas tree. Christmas illuminations likewise adorn our town centres, It all helps to brighten up some of the darkest days of winter. But if we would truly find light in our lives – a light that shines not just briefly but each and every day – we need to look to the one at the centre of this season: at God’s gift of his son in Christ: the light of the world. The following extract, taken from my book Daily Prayer 2, considers more fully what that means.
Light of the world
Read
Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, ‘I am the light of the world: whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.’ John 8:12
Ponder
The 21st of December is a day I always approach with mixed feelings. On the one hand it’s the shortest day of the year, a time when the hours of darkness extend for their longest, but on the other it means that we’ve turned the corner and can start looking forward again to the evenings drawing out as we move first into spring and then into summer. No wonder the winter solstice found its way into the rituals of so many ancient religions, for at a time when life is literally at its darkest it offers the promise of new light, new life, new beginnings.
As Christians, we celebrate at this time of year light of a different sort: that which came into the world through Christ. The theme permeates numerous biblical texts associated with this season: ‘The people who previously walked in darkness have witnessed a great light; light has shone on those who dwelt in a place of deep darkness’ (Isaiah 9:2). ‘A new dawn will come from heaven, and the sun will shine on those sitting in darkness and in the shadow of death’ (Luke 1:78, 79a). ‘Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared before them, and the Lord’s glory shone round about them’ (Luke 2:9a). ‘The star that they had seen rise went ahead of them until it finally stopped over the place where the child was’ (Matthew 2:9b). ‘In him was life, and that life was the light of all. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness could not overcome it’ (John 1:4, 5). That’s what we celebrate at Christmas: not lighter evenings to come but lighter lives now, light that goes on shining in life’s darkest moments, even the shadowed
valley of death. Whether it’s spring, summer, autumn or winter, 21 December or 25 December, it makes no difference, for this is a light that illuminates our path today, tomorrow and every day.
Ask yourself
In what way does Christ’s light shine into your life? Have you been conscious of it even when life has seemed dark? How did it help to dispel the darkness?
Pray
Lord Jesus Christ, shine into the darkness of this world, into its suffering and sorrow, evil and injustice. Brighten the lives of those who wrestle with illness, pain and infirmity; those who mourn loved ones or face the prospect of their passing; those who are poor, homeless or hungry; those who are oppressed and exploited; those who are depressed, troubled or weary. Shine into the hearts of those who do not know you, those who reject you, ignoring, rejecting or even opposing your way. Illuminate my own path, opening my heart each day to the radiance of your love and blessing. Come through your Spirit and shed your light afresh upon all. Amen.
Remember
I have come to bring light into the world, so that everyone who believes in me will not remain in darkness. John 12:46
Close
Thank you, Lord, that despite so much darkness in the world the light of your grace and truth continues to shine and will never be extinguished. Amen.
Amen. Such a beautiful prayer.