Following the Star

Pause

God is with me; but more, God is within me.
Let me dwell for a moment on God’s life-giving presence
in my body, in my mind, in my heart,
as I sit here, right now.

from Sacred Space: The Prayer Book 2012, The Irish Jesuits

Listen

The true light that shines on all people was coming into the world.

The light was in the world, and the world came into being through the light, but the world didn’t recognize the light.

The light came to his own people, and his own people didn’t welcome him.

But those who did welcome him, those who believed in his name, he authorized to become God’s children, born not from blood nor from human desire or passion, but born from God.

John 1:9-13

Think

Christmas is a time when lights are everywhere. People decorate their houses in lights and adorn Christmas trees with lights. Tonight, in many churches, we will light the all the candles on the Advent wreath and light candles as we sing “Silent Night.” Lights are an important part of how we celebrate Christmas. Light is also one of the most important metaphors for Jesus, used throughout scripture, particularly here in John’s gospel. Light is powerful. Light breaks up darkness.

One of my favorite uses of light as a metaphor outside of scripture was written by C.S. Lewis. He uses light (the sun) to describe his belief in Christianity: “I believe in Christianity as I believe that the Sun has risen, not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else.”

This Christmas, may the lights we see around us remind us of the light of Christ.  Might we recognize that light, welcome and share it, and know that by it we see all things, as it illuminates even the darkest of places.

Ryan Wilson

Pray

God whose light shines on all people, during this season of love, hope, peace, and joy, may my eyes be opened wide to recognize you, the light of the world. Help me to welcome and share your light this Christmas. Amen.

Go

Christmas highlights the belief that God is in all of us. We can ignore that, or we can help God be found in all of us. God is active through each of us for each other.

from Sacred Space: The Prayer Book 2012, The Irish Jesuits