Merry Christmas
Christmas is a season of hope, peace, joy and love. May the newborn infant Jesus bless you. May these virtues be the pillar of your house and heart.
Shine the light of Christmas
Arise, Shine…, (Isaiah 60:1)
Today our promising eternal Word
Lights our impoverished world
Spreading beautiful rays of upright
Making somber shadows so bright
Amidst white snow a heavenly aid
A star, stood upon a manger’s child
God with us, for he is Emmanuvel
In him lies your hope, faith and love
Hunt him with eyes that seeks
Live him with breath that grips
Praise him with heart that longs
Hold him with love that belongs
Christmas: A Feast of Light
We have been reflecting on themes hope, peace, joy, and love for past four weeks. Today we reflect on the light that illuminates these. This light is Proclaimed – Personalized – Pioneered.
A heartwarming story illustrates the power of this light:
A grandfather took his curious grandchild on a journey to the city. As dusk approached, they encountered a majestic mountain. The grandchild wondered, "How will we cross this enormous mountain?" The grandfather smiled, lit a small candle. The child was curious about a little candle how it would brighten the who mountain. The grandpa said "This little light may not illuminate the entire mountain, but it will dispel the darkness of each step, guiding us through."
As the psalmist wrote, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path" (Psalm 119:105). The Word that took flesh, Jesus Christ, is our guiding light, illuminating our way through life's journey (John 1:1).
Proclaimed: Old Testament
Psalm 27:1
"The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?" - This verse expresses trust in God as the source of light, guidance, and salvation. The psalmist declares that with God's presence, there is no need to fear.
Isaiah 9:2
"The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone." - This verse prophesies the coming of a great light to dispel darkness. It foreshadows the birth of Jesus, who would bring light and hope to a world in darkness.
Isaiah 60:1
"Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you." - This verse calls on the people to rise and shine, as God's light and glory have arrived. It symbolizes the dawn of a new era, where God's presence and radiance would illuminate His people.
Isaiah 60:19
"The Lord will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory." - This verse promises that God will be the eternal source of light and glory for His people. It emphasizes God's enduring presence and radiance in the lives of those who follow Him.
Personalized: New Testament
Luke 2:9
In the Christmas story, light is a recurring symbol. The star of Bethlehem guided the Magi to Jesus' birthplace, and the angels announced Jesus' birth to the shepherds, saying, "The glory of the Lord shone around them" (Luke 2:9). Star indicates the glorious light of God in Jesus. It highlights the supernatural and majestic nature of the event.
John 8:12
"I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." - Jesus declares Himself the light of the world, guiding people out of darkness. He promises that those who follow Him will experience eternal life and illumination.
Pioneered (Founded): Reflection
Matthew 5:14
"You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden." - Jesus tells His followers that they are the light of the world, reflecting His radiance. He emphasizes that their presence and influence cannot be concealed, just like a city on a hill.
2 Corinthians 4:6
"For God, who said, 'Let light shine out of darkness,' made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God's glory displayed in the face of Christ." -This verse references Genesis 1:3, where God creates light. It explains that God's light now shines within believers' hearts, revealing the glory of Christ and imparting spiritual understanding.
1 Thessalonians 5:5
"You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness." - This verse affirms that believers are children of light and daytime, not of night and darkness. It emphasizes their new identity in Christ, characterized by illumination, hope, and righteousness.
Fr Raja MSFS