Season of Light

Light of the World

“On a visit to South India, the Archbishop of Canterbury was asked to bless the Hindu kitchen staff of a big hotel. The occasion was the annual mixing of the batter for their famous Christmas cake. So, as instructed, he poured honey into an enormous trough of fruit, and said prayers, shook hands, and walked out into the searing heat, with “Joy to the World” blaring over loudspeakers.”

Mary Luti (“In Common” from Wonder: Advent Devotional, 2015)

I love this story from this year's Advent Devotional booklet of the United Church of Christ. It illustrates the sweetness of good will this season of the year can bring. Today is the last day of Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights, and next week, we celebrate the Winter Solstice and Christmas, with the blessing of the Christ child. In the carol, “O Come, O Come Emmanuel,” one verse goes: “O come, Desire of nations, bind in one the hearts of humankind. Bid thou our sad divisions cease, and be thyself our Prince of Peace.” All nations have in common our love of light, and our desire for peace.

You don't have to be Christian to love Christmas. Who doesn't love a baby boy, who comes into the world without the slightest hint of malevolence or guile. We can all relate to the innocence and defenseless love of the child of Mary and Joseph, born so long ago. He represents the best in all of us—the light of hope and peace. It was this same Jesus, however, who said, "You are the light of the world," and we seem to have forgotten that.

In this season, we have an opportunity to put aside our fear and aggression, and simply celebrate the dignity and joy of the coming of Light into the world. Perhaps it will help us to regain our faith that the heart of humanity is still basically good and decent, and in love with Life itself.

                                             In the Spirit,

                                                 Jane