Reflection
O radiant dawn, brightness of the Light Eternal and Sun of Justice,
come and enlighten them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death.
Today we experience the winter solstice, cause of the shortest and darkest day of the year. In the time before artificial lighting, humans truly knew the meaning of darkness. The time of deepest darkness was the solstice time, but it was also the time when the light began to return. Slowly the days became longer and light increasingly renewed its power over darkness. Light became an archetypal symbol. From the depths of ancient darkness came the plea of the prophets for One who would bring light, who would come and teach a new way of life that would be just and liberating for people suffering in “the darkness and the shadow of death.”
As Christmas approaches, we call on Christ as the dawn, the light, the Sun of Justice. 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 renewed hope that it can work to create a different world.
Prayer
May the light of Your truth open our minds and renew our spirits.
Action
How can I be a source of light in whatever darkness I may encounter in my daily life? What specific situations can I address?
Suggested Reading
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
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
Christmas is joy, religious joy, an inner joy of ligh======t 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