Every Christmas Eve, I am amazed by the physics of light. In non-scientific terms, light always wins. Many people think that there is always a cosmic struggle between light and dark, that they are equal in power and balance. However, a simple candle’s light can show the truth. When you light a candle, the darkness that once existed in that candle’s space is gone. There is no struggle, and the light wins every single time. Now, a single candle might not light up a large room well enough to read a book, but if you are in a large, dark room and a candle is lit – you will see it. Think about that for a moment. If you are in one corner of a dark room, so dark that you can’t see your hand in front of your face, and someone lights a candle in the opposite corner – you will see it. You might still be standing in shadows in your corner, but you will be able to see your hand because the light comes to you. Of course, we aren’t surprised by that, but there are theological correlations to be made. The candlelight completely shines in the space where it is lit – darkness doesn’t prevent it from being seen. In addition, it radiates out to meet you where you are. You can see the light from your darkened corner.

Christ came as the Light of the World. There is no moment where He shines just 50% of the time. Where His light is, darkness is no more. And you can see His light even when it appears you are standing in shadows. If you look, you can see that His light is shining into your life, even when it seems that everything is still dark. The Light of Christ is His love, which permeates the earth.

This Christmas Eve, pay attention to the light. When all the lights are extinguished, you will still be able to see the flame of the Christ candle. And then the light of the Christ candle is used to light the other candles. The light of Christ is passed from person to person until the entire space is filled with His presence. The beauty of the family of faith is found in the passing, receiving, and illumination of the light of Christ.

Seek out the light of Christ each day. Begin with a devotional time – reading the Bible, St. Luke’s daily devotional or other reading, and a time of prayer. Bask in His light so that you can radiate it to the darkened areas of the world. For the initial beauty of the light of the Christ Candle is exponentially multiplied when it is shared with others in the room. So too, the love of Christ becomes infinitely more beautiful as it is shared.

Again, Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world; he who follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12

Rev. Wendy Lambert, Senior Executive Pastor