When we think of Christmas, there are many images and symbols that flood to mind, but no symbol is more prominent to the meaning of Christmas than light. Light has been equated with God from the beginning of the creation accounts in the Book of Genesis. Light as a symbol is seen throughout the Hebrew Scripture and the New Testament. Jesus Christ, the Incarnate Son of God, is known by many titles, but no title is more important at Christmas than Jesus Christ – Light of the World. In our ancient Nicene Creed, we profess our belief in Christ who is described as “begotten of the Father – God from God, light from light.”
In our celebration of Christmas, the symbol of light predominates – from our celebration of Mass to our cultural celebration of Christmas with family and friends. In the first reading from Christmas Mass, we hear the prophet Isaiah speak these words: “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom a light has shown.” In the prologue of John’s Gospel heard on Christmas Day, the evangelist writes: “what came to be through him was life and this life was the light of the human race, and the darkness has not overcome it.” Here, in this moving passage from St. John, we see why the virtue of hope is connected with the Christmas story. In Jesus Christ, God manifests his light to the world, and we are emboldened by the promise that the darkness will not overcome the light. In Christ, God’s eternal light is manifest and triumphant, and this truth is indeed a source of hope for Christians.
There are three particular ways that the Incarnation of God in Christ is a source of light. First, as we hear in the Nicene Creed, the light of God is revealed in life itself and its attendant dignity. God’s light is seen in the gift of human life because we are created in the image and likeness of God. What is more, God restores and redeems human life through the Incarnation which we celebrate at Christmas and through Christ’s passion, death, and resurrection which we celebrate during Holy Week and Easter. Second, the light of God is seen as overcoming the darkness of ignorance and untruth. The Christmas story is extraordinary because it’s true! In the Incarnation, we witness the truth of God’s redeeming love and the truth of his way – the way of discipleship, which we are called to embrace. God’s truth – manifested in both Scripture and Tradition – lights our path as we seek to live as faithful disciples in the world. Finally, in the Incarnation, God’s light triumphs over the darkness of sin as God unfolds in Christ his plan of reconciling love.
As said above, light is seen throughout our religious and cultural celebration of Christmas. Whether it is the lighting of the Advent wreath that symbolizes the coming of the light or the lighting of Christmas trees throughout the world, light is synonymous with both Advent and Christmas. Think too of the comfort and warmth of a fire during the holiday season as friends and family gather around to share love and fellowship. Additionally, I look forward to our comprehensive restoration of The Basilica and the increased lighting of the exterior and interior of our historic church. Many have already experienced Luminiscence at The Basilica and have been deeply moved by the immersive experience of light, music, and story. Such is the power of light, and it is no surprise that this symbol is so closely associated with the presence of God. One of the things that has been clear to me as pastor is that The Basilica is indeed a place of light! If you are a visitor or friend, wherever you are on your journey of faith, I invite you to come and experience the light of The Basilica of Saint Mary.
Lastly, given the importance of light in our story of faith, it is critical that Christian disciples commit to becoming and living as people of light. The darkness of ignorance, sin, and violence continues to be experienced throughout the world – experienced most acutely by those living on the margins of society. Thus, it is essential that people of faith respond with the light of faith, truth, hope, and love. This can happen when we respond to God’s invitation to enter deeply into the mystery of the Incarnate Son of God – Jesus Christ. It is Christ who gives us his transcendent and luminescent light. When we enter into deep fellowship and friendship with Christ, God’s light begins to shine brightly through us and once again the ancient promise of Christmas is fulfilled: “the light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it.”
Merry Christmas,
Fr. Daniel Griffith