The message of Christmas is light in darkness
The light of Christmas shines into darkness bringing hope and joy for all. We just need to let it in
It may be simply down to the stage I am at in life, but I seem to be spending a great deal of my time attending funerals. Just last week we laid to rest in Daviot Cemetery, just south of Inverness, my uncle John, my late mother’s older brother. A farmer all his life, he died peacefully at the age of 92 surrounded by his family.
John left four children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and the large presence at his funeral was testament to the warmth in which he was regarded by so many friends, neighbours and business contacts. The tributes to him referenced his character as a man of honesty, principle and integrity – the classic Highland gentleman working hard, living quietly, and devoted to his family.
Just a few weeks before, there was a sadder occasion when a great friend of mine, with whom I had shared a flat in Edinburgh many years ago when we were both young, passed away at the age of 55 having developed incurable brain cancer. He left a widow and two young adult children not much older than my own. Losing a friend is always painful but it is particularly poignant when death comes to someone younger than yourself.
At this time of year we seem enveloped in short grey days and long dark nights, with the warmth, sunshine and bright of summer a distant memory. Surrounded by dark, cold, and reminders of our mortality, life for many becomes a struggle.
It is at this time, when we need it most, that light comes into the world. The first chapter of the Book of John, in the wonderful poetic language of the King James Bible, refers to the coming of God to Earth at Christmas: “In Him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness, and the darkness comprehended it not”, or as more modern versions put it: “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it”.
Christmas is the celebration of the birth of a child, and one whose coming was celebrated with joy. At a time when we see family and friends passing from us, it is the perfect demonstration of the circle of life that we recognise in the hope of a new birth.
The central message of Christmas is not about the decorations, the presents, the feasting and the coming together of families. It is not even about the spreading of compassion and kindness – goodwill to all men - however valuable these sentiments are.
The message of Christmas is a very simple one, that God sent his son to Earth to be born, and in time to die for us all, to give us a hope that endures beyond our short lives on this earth.
At both of the funerals I attended recently that hope was central in the tributes, the readings and the prayers. Both were Christian celebrations, recognising that those we had lost we would see again in heaven, with the promise of eternal life for all those who follow Jesus. There is always sadness at losing a loved one, but there is the hope that that sorrow will be turned to joy when we meet again. John’s Gospel recounts how Jesus told his disciples when he was to be taken to be crucified that in time their sorrow would turn into joy: “So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you”.
We live in a world ravaged by wars. The conflict in Ukraine continues to take lives despite the slow progress towards peace. In the Middle East, and in Africa, we see thousands die in seemingly never-ending strife. Such is the darkness at the root of human nature that politicians seem to have only very limited answers to the problems facing the world. Never has the Christmas message of joy and peace to the world seemed more necessary.
But Christmas is also a challenge to us all personally. The Dutch resistance hero Corrie Ten Boom, who saw her father and sister die in Nazi concentration camps, became famous as an exponent of Christian forgiveness for her persecutors. Her observation on Christmas is captured in her famous quote: “If Jesus were born one thousand times in Bethlehem and not in me, then I would still be lost”.
It is the hope of a personal relationship with Jesus that is at the heart of the Christmas message and an offer that is available to us all. Joy from sorrow, hope from despair, light from darkness – that is what Christmas brings us, even at a time of sadness when we might be losing those who are dear to us.
In another passage read in churches at this time, the prophet Isaiah looks forward to the birth of the Saviour centuries later with the words: “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness on them the light has shone”, and the reading goes on with the famous lines: “For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
It could be written for today. The light of Christmas shines into darkness bringing hope and joy for all. We just need to let it in.
May I wish all readers a happy, hopeful and joyful Christmas.
Comments
Want to join the conversation? Please or to comment on this article.