Christmas is a season of light. Christmas is a celebration of Jesus’ birth, and Jesus is the light of the world. As it says in the book of John, “A light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” One of the reasons that Jesus’ birth is celebrated in the middle of winter is because in the northern hemisphere the days are darkest at the end of December. It is during these dark days that we light candles as a symbol of Jesus—a light shining in the darkness.
Besides the actual darkness there is a lot of figurative darkness in the world. People who we know and love get sick, people die, there is violence in our communities, there is social upheaval, and there are wars in the world. It can be easy to become overcome by this darkness—to become complacent and cynical
and downtrodden. But a light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it.
It is good to take stock of the bright lights in the world. It is good to gather as a congregation and celebrate the birth of Jesus. It is good to gather with family and friends and to have food and presents. It is good to try and have good cheer this time of year. These are good things that come from the blessing of God.
I know that many of you have your own struggles during this time of year. I pray that you would have the comfort of the light of Christ, and that you may be able to experience the peace of Jesus.
I wish you all the joy of the Christmas season, as we live in the light of Christ.
In Christ,
Pastor Scott C. Egbers