Christmas 2015
“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light;
Upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom
A light has shone.” Isaiah 9:1
With these words, our liturgy of Christmas begins. It is a story told for over 2000 years and with each telling, new awareness arises from our life experiences.
This has been a year of darkness through violence in our streets, inequality in our housing, racial and religious fears, families in mourning, abuse of our land and children, and Governors proclaiming “there is no room in our inn for refugees”.
We have looked for a Messiah! So many voices cry out to politicians through the media: “Who can lead us into the light?” And politicians respond with, “I will save you.” “I will keep you safe!”
Has a Light shone upon us? I live a contemplative life and this gives me a sacred lens through which to gaze upon the world. We have ‘seen a great Light’ my soul cries. A Light is shining in the minds and hearts of so many people.
We see the Light through those who risk seeking refuge in the values of a country that says ‘come’ ‘we welcome you’ whether this is in Dallas or Canada. We see the Light in the racial and ethnic tensions that have been part of our country forever, but are now revealing the causes and necessary actions we need to take. We see the Light in a child who cleaned a Mosque that had been desecrated by feces. We see the Light in the men and women working toward a cleaner environment. We have seen The Light burning within many people.
As the Christmas story unfolds, it was the birth of a baby in simple poverty, amid the animals and angels that became the Light that would be the source of illumination for “those who have eyes to see and ears to hear.”
The invitation of Christmas this year seems to be: Behold the Light “who has brought us abundant joy and great rejoicing.” Isaiah 9:2
May your Christmas be a celebration of Love and Light. We will hold you in prayer over these days of joy and rejoicing.
May your Christmas truly be merry and bright!
