大象传媒

Good Morning

In a short while, at exactly 9.21am to be precise, the winter solstice takes place. Every day from today there will gradually be a bit more light until 21st June when the summer solstice happens. So as many make their final preparations for Christmas this weekend - the darkest of days is upon us.

St Augustine of Hippo, a theologian and philosopher who spanned the 4th/5th centuries, embraced the theme of the increase of light in many of his glorious Christmas sermons. When adapted for our own day, they are still a treasure trove for Christian preachers. The proximity of the winter solstice to the birth of Jesus is a physical and visual aid. For it helps us understand the spiritual significance of the increase of light: looking forward from today鈥檚 darkness to brighter light-filled days.

Advent is a season of promise. Doors are opened, candles are lit, trees are decorated, our homes, other buildings and churches are filled with decorative light. Humanity yearns for better, brighter times. As the theologian Maria Boulding wrote 鈥撯�淚n the winters of your prayer when there seems nothing but darkness, a situation of general frozenness, - hold on,- wait for God, - he will come鈥�.

As the fourth Advent candle is lit in cathedrals and churches tomorrow
the anticipation of the increase of light is keenly felt. The, as yet, unidentified light is to be revealed via a small baby born in Bethlehem in a place marked by a simple star.
Worshippers at Midnight Mass hear a simple explanation of what this light promises when the great Prologue to St John鈥檚 Gospel celebrating the Incarnation is read before the Christmas candle is lit. John explains how this light will shine in the darkness. 鈥� something the darkness cannot comprehend. You see, the darkness will never overcome the light of Christmas.

Thankfully, over the next few days, we will hear many good news stories. There will be lots of examples of individuals in our local communities who are beacons of light through their own often sacrificial actions. Helping homeless and displaced people, making sure they are not alone. Others will bring healing and hope to those in hospitals, hospices and care homes.

Well before the birth of Jesus, the Prophet Isaiah had promised all of this: that the people walking in darkness would see a great light; that 鈥渙n those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.鈥�

So, on this day of the winter solstice, the promise of the increase of light is a fact. Alongside it, the imminent arrival of Christmas invites all people to be beacons of light spreading kindness, generosity and love in a world which sorely needs it.

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