Reflection
O Dawn of the East, Brightness of the Light Eternal and Sun of Justice,
come and enlighten them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death
We, in the northern hemisphere, are experiencing darkest day of the year. From that darkness we call on Jesust as the dawn, the light, the Sun of Justice. Reflecting on our world and the many situations that keep people suffering and in “the darkness and the shadow of death’, we can relate to the plea of the ancient prophets for One who would come and teach a new way of life that would be just and liberating; we can reflect on Jesus as source of the light that would brighten the world. Tomorrow the days will begin to become longer and the sun will increasingly renew its power over darkness. As Christmas approaches, we reflect on Jesus as source of the light that can brighten the world, believing, that by absorbing his message, we can be ‘enlightened. We ask that his light will shine in the places of darkness and we live in hope that it can work to create a better world.
Prayer
O rising dawn illuminating our night, come and guide us in the way of justice.
Action
How can I be a source of light in whatever darkness I encounter in my daily life? What specific situation can I address? How can I be a light on issues of justice and compassion?
Suggested Reading
Do not make any judgments before the appointed time, until the Lord comes, for the Lord will bring to light what is hidden in the darkness and will manifest the motives of our hearts, and then everyone will receive praise from God.
1 Corinthians:4-5
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
John 8:12
Christmas is joy, religious joy, an inner joy of light and peace.
Pope Francis
By virtue of the creation, and, still more of the incarnation, nothing here below is profane for those who know how to see.
Pierre Teilhard de Chardin
Every man must decide whether he will walk in the light of creative altruism or in the darkness of destructive selfishness.
Martin Luther King, Jr.
Words which do not give the light of Christ increase the darkness.
Mother Teresa
Light gives of itself freely, filling all available space. It does not seek anything in return; it asks not whether you are friend or foe. It gives of itself and is not thereby diminished.
Michael Strassfeld
Dare to reach out your hand into the darkness to pull another hand into the light.
Norman B. Rice
The black moment is the moment when the real message of transformation is going to come. At the darkest moment comes the light.
Joseph Campbell
Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness.
Desmond Tutu
I will love the light for it shows me the way, yet I will endure the darkness because it shows me the stars.
Og Mandino