You are here

A light that can destroy the darkness and transform the world

A light that can destroy the darkness and transform the world

“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.” (Isaiah 9:2)

People have been walking in darkness long before the prophet wrote these words over 2500 years ago; and people have been walking in darkness ever since. This year, the earth’s annual rhythm toward deepening darkness, which culminates with the solstice on December 22, seems to have spread beyond weather and cosmology to take up residence in politics, in the psyche – and in the crescendo of violence around the world. It is a darkness of fear and oppression and prejudice.

It is a paralyzing darkness.

But there is a great light. That is the promise – originally written by Isaiah, but remembered generations later in Matthew’s Gospel (4:16). Now it needs to be said that there are moments – or seasons, when it feels impossible to see anything but darkness in the world or in our own lives. Or if there is light, it may be only a flicker, one that can easily be snuffed out by the slightest zephyr of disappointment, loss or spasm of fear.

For us as Christians, the Incarnation is the great light. This Christmas we will sing of this light and celebrate the tradition of the light coming into the world – but after all the carols are sung and prayers are read the light may still be hard to see.

But the light is there – in the world, and in each one of us. In faith we dare to stand with our spiritual ancestors and claim that a biblical story which defies rational explanation is nevertheless a story of light and hope – a light that may begin as a faint glimmer but has the promise to grow into full glory. A light that literally can destroy the darkness and transform the world.

The story of Christmas emerges out of God’s love and gratitude for us. Jesus is the incarnation of that love and gratitude. Jesus is God’s gift to us. We are invited, no – we are expected, to pass on that gift.

Our culture presents love as an emotion. It is much more than that. Love is a commitment . Jesus demonstrated that commitment every moment of his earthly life – from the manger to the cross. Gratitude is often limited to the social expectation of saying “thank you.” It is much more than that. It is a spiritual practice – and as such requires our practice. Gratitude is a power that can disable fear and overcome prejudice. Gratitude kindles light. It is a spiritual weapon that can be used to combat the darkness.

Use it.

Comments

Merry Christmas.

Your opening remarks about God are beautiful and, in essence, true to me and many others. The problem to me is the definition of GOD - The popular understanding that most religious people have about God is, for me, the problem. "Theology" - a word about God is, for me the problem. The "creative" force that formed our universe is, to me, indescribable! I know that creative power in my life and continue to experience how it continues to change me and my world each day, but the "traditional" definitions about God, I believe, is at the root of our problem. God, to me, is an experience and a presence in my life that I can witness to but never explain with words. Our lives, the way we behave and live, in the real testimony to that creative and re-creative power being alive today.

Add new comment

Our comment policy requires that you use your real first and last names and provide an email address (your email will not be published). The Communications Office of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark reserves the right not to publish comments that are posted anonymously or that we deem do not foster respectful dialogue.