In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. John 1:1‑5

One of my favorite moments of the year is the candle lighting at Peachtree Church on Christmas Eve. It’s a moment of beauty and reverence. It’s also a bit nostalgic, reminding us of all of the times we have celebrated the birth of Christ in that place. However, this year as I walked up the steps of the chancel holding my candle and looked out into the Sanctuary, my first reaction was sadness. I was momentarily struck because, due to safety protocols, the room was only partially filled, not brimming with the faces, light, and energy of all the other Christmas Eve services over the years. That first reaction brought home the emptiness and darkness of this past year. However, as the congregation moved then to the final verses of “Silent Night,” and we raised our candles in the air, the words of the Apostle John came to mind: “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”
 
As the room began to brighten, I was drawn to the light and away from the areas of darkness. I was no longer focused on what was missing but instead on what was present. The beauty and hope of that experience had returned. The darkness had been overcome by the light lifted high.

As we begin a new year, we are still in the midst of much darkness, still struggling with disease and dissension. Looking forward, we can choose to add to the darkness or choose to bring light into the year ahead. We are God’s people, and we must remind ourselves once again of our reason for being, our calling to join Christ daily in the restoration of all things. May we commit ourselves to let our light shine wherever He has placed us and reflect the hope of Christ that overcomes the darkness of our world.

For Reflection

How have you seen the light of Christ break through the darkness?
How might you bring the light of Christ to your world in this year ahead?

Prayer

Lord, we thank You for this image of bringing light into the darkness. We thank You that it is more than a metaphor. It is the truth of Your presence in our lives. Give us the courage to live out this truth in the days ahead. Open our eyes to the hope of the year ahead and inspire us to love others as You have first loved us. Amen.