Norris Hall
Let there be Light. In today’s world there seems to be an absence of light, that warm glow that pierces and drives away the darkness; we read and hear of and see the news of suffering in the various conflicts and turmoil which affect the lives of many, innocent and otherwise.
And even closer to home, in our midst, there are those who must endure the darkness of social and economic deprivation, without glimpsing the light of hope in their lives.
The world was no better perhaps when Jesus Christ was born in a town called Bethlehem. His homeland was gripped in the darkness of Roman occupation and the corrupt rule of Herod.
But the birth of that one, influential person later became the light of the world, preaching his Gospel of love, redemption, rededication and reconciliation to name but a few themes.
Christmas means many things to many people. To Christians, it is a reminder and celebration of God coming down in human form to dwell in our midst, for us to bask in the light of his unconditional love, to be given that promise of salvation, to be fulfilled in the days of Easter.
It is a time to celebrate that peace, joy, love and hope. John, in the opening chapter of his deeply spiritual Gospel, writes “the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”
And the Psalmist says in an inspired no. 118, “This is the Lord’s doing, [and] it is marvellous in our eyes.” May the light of God’s generous love and presence radiate into our Christmas this year. – Norris Hall.
