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December 2004

December – season of darkness and light   If there is a single symbol that captures the spirit of Christmas in its deepest sense, it must be that of light. Without light, there is no hope for us to break through the darkness that surrounds us, along with the blindness that rules so much of humanity's deeds.

Fiat lux!  – "Let there be light!" is the magic formula in the biblical account of the creation of the world, an account that comes surprisingly close to today's big-bang theory of the origin of the universe. "Let there be light!" is also the basic message of Christmas, and of the major religious celebrations of all religions of which I am aware.

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"Let there be light!"  Many traditional as well as contemporary Christmas decorations have to do with light. Christmas candles, the Christmas tree, window lights, firework, rope-light decorated houses, illuminated mangers and other Christmas displays all speak to us through the enchanting language of light. This is certainly not by chance. Light stands for so many positive, essential things – life, growth, enlightenment, warmth, joy … (I leave it to you to expand the list). A light that shines in the dark not only illuminates the night, it also offers us orientation and hope; it can lead us out of our usual state of blindness for what matters in life. As an old saying has it, "hope lights a candle instead of cursing the darkness."

A star is born  Perhaps the most beautiful expression of the symbolic power of light is the biblical story of the star of Bethlehem. The star of Bethlehem was the source of light that guided the three wise men in their search for the stable where Jesus was born, and filled their hearts with hope and joy. "Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him." (Matthew 2:1-2).

A Christmas reflection  Is it perhaps for this reason that we still adorn the top of the Christmas tree with a star? So as to remind us of the star of Bethlehem? When did you last think of this deeper meaning of the star on your Christmas tree? What a beautiful symbol! Rather than just representing a tired old custom, a Christmas tree in our living room tells us: Let there be light in our house, let it enlighten and enrich our daily lives throughout the year to come!

„When Jesus was born in Bethlehem in the days of Herod the king, some wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.” (Matthew 2:1-2)

Last updated 17 May 2010 (layout; first published 6 Dec 2004)
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