Light is central to celebrations of Christmas both ancient and modern and pagan and Christian. One of the first signs that the commercial Christmas has made its appearance among the merchants of our mega malls is the stringing of coloured Christmas lights.

The ancient peoples were conscious of the central role that the sun played in providing light and heat for the growth of seed and the maturing of harvest. Its withdrawal produced the shortest and darkest days of the year, and inspired the festival of Saturnalia, in which the return of the sun was eagerly sought and anticipated.

The darkness of which Isaiah spoke, though, was much more than physical. Spiritual darkness shrouded the lives of those who had turned away from God and who had been blinded by the illusions dangled by Satan and designed to turn the faces and hearts of the people away from God and his majestic, kingly brightness.

As God's prophet, Isaiah foresees the day when spiritual dawn will burst upon the darkness, and scatter it. All that speaks of sleep and death will be dispelled, and those who would walk in the light as God is in the light will see and rejoice.

In God's good time, the prophecy is fulfilled, and John announces in the advent of Jesus the arrival of the Light of the world.

John 1: 9 - "The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world." (NIV)

Those who sought the Lord's bright, illuminating and cheering presence rejoiced, and were to drawn to embrace the Light of life. On the other hand, those who loved the deeds of darkness sought to shut Jesus out of their lives, not wanting the dark and murky corners of their lives to be revealed or transformed.

So it remains today. John the evangelist, reflecting on the varied responses to Jesus' appearing and the witness of the prophets and apostles to Him, observes that "the light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it." (John 1: 5, NIV)

What do we understand? Do we see in Jesus the light, the true light, who gives light to all? If so, what are we doing to point others in His direction?

We know all too well the problems with which we have to grapple when the power fails and the lights go out. We value our lanterns and flashlights and candles, and bring them out and light them up. Our society recoils in confusion when confronted with an electrical blackout. Far more seriously, though, our modern society dwells in the midst of a vast spiritual darkness, and has not understood the light whom God has sent.

If the light of Jesus is shining in and through us, it is our calling to light up the darkness. As we watch the appearance of the Christmas lights, let us check our spiritual wattage and ensure that each of us is turned on and lit up to point the way to Jesus, the true Light.

Enjoying the Christmas lights, but also seeking to be one,

Your pastor,

James T. Hurd.