The Light of the World

This year Oscar has been mesmerised by our Christmas tree lights. He can stand there for ages just looking at them. There is something festive, joyful and peaceful about a tree sparkling at night. For me it’s my christmas candle that is bringing joy with it’s glimmering light and pine scent.

Jesus came to be the light in our darkness. And Light is needed when there is darkness. A night light dispels shadows that scare, for darkness always flees before light. The Light of lighthouses around the world guide sailors to a safe harbour. The lamp shows our path so we don’t stumble.

Jesus came to be the Light of the World where hopelessness, fear, worry and anxiety abound.

He said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

John 8:14

Today is Day 104 of Lockdown for us in Auckland. For many it has been a time of anxiety, of grief and of weariness. All of us have suffered loss, large and small. We have endured layers of disappointments. From missed events and gatherings disrupted to separation from friends and family. Financial hardship, stress juggling work and home school. Normal life a distant memory.

Yet, the message of the Gospel stays true. The circumstances may have been tough but Advent is a time for us to journey back to essence of the Gospel. Christmas celebrates the most ultimate gift possible – God coming to earth as man. It causes us to remember God coming down to our earth to be our hope and our Saviour – to be the Light of the World.

As carols begin to be heard around the city, I feel the sweetness of them belie that power of the message of Christmas. Yes there is the gorgeousness of a new baby, but the message that Christmas brings, the themes of advent Peace, Love, Joy & Hope are powerful. The peace is the peace in the storm, the joy is our strength, hope is our anchor and love conquers fear.

In these unwelcomed times, we need Jesus, Light of the world, in our every day living.  And as the carols sing of the promise of Jesus, I know that we live in the reality of that promise. That God is with us. That Jesus has come.