Light has always a very special significance in Christian tradition. In fact, in every tradition across the world, religious or secular, light plays a very important role. It is not just the function of it, but the very meaning and possibilities it brings to the fore, while itself being 'unseen' makes light a peculiar phenomenon.
Christmas, of all feasts, is a feast of lights. We use lights extensively in our decorations for this feast. Though Easter is more liturgically closer to the theme of light, Christmas somehow 'appears' brighter! But what struck me most today was the fact that the actual Christmas, b'day of Jesus, the only actual light available was that of a star. Not the bright shining sun or the luminescence of the moon. Just a star! And how much light does a star emit? Barely anything. But when that is the only light available, it appears bright.
As we begin the new year, it strikes me that we begin it in the light of a star. We are now called to follow that little light. Hopefully it will lead us to the light of our lives - as it did the shepherds and wise men. Rather than look for the bright radiant and focussed lights, the challenge is to locate and follow the little light of a star.
Christmas, of all feasts, is a feast of lights. We use lights extensively in our decorations for this feast. Though Easter is more liturgically closer to the theme of light, Christmas somehow 'appears' brighter! But what struck me most today was the fact that the actual Christmas, b'day of Jesus, the only actual light available was that of a star. Not the bright shining sun or the luminescence of the moon. Just a star! And how much light does a star emit? Barely anything. But when that is the only light available, it appears bright.
As we begin the new year, it strikes me that we begin it in the light of a star. We are now called to follow that little light. Hopefully it will lead us to the light of our lives - as it did the shepherds and wise men. Rather than look for the bright radiant and focussed lights, the challenge is to locate and follow the little light of a star.
No comments:
Post a Comment