The associated reading for this reflection can be found in your Every Sacred Sunday Mass journal or online here.
Being a student often means late night study sessions, leaving campus as the rest of the world sleeps. The campus is void of the normal pedestrian traffic, leaving room for your mind to wander as you walk the empty sidewalk. The darkness of the night seemingly dominates your vision until you see street lights flicker just enough to see the sidewalk, just enough to find your way. After studying on my school’s campus one winter night, I decided to drive around the local neighborhood to take a breath and allow my mind to process the study material before going home. As I drove, I found myself slowing down and admiring the various neighborhood decorations from green wreaths to strings of lights. I found myself being filled with wonder, awe, and childlike joy as these words began to echo in my mind and heart:
“... the light shines in the darkness, and darkness has not overcome it”
Oftentimes, we find ourselves in darkness, hoping to find light. Our hearts get tired, longing for revival. We lose sight of the Way, the Truth, the Life. Yet, in the darkness of the world, Light shines for everyone to see. Still He shines for the world, showing us the path to eternal life.
In His light, we find life. In His light, we find hope.
“What came to be through him was life, and this life was the light of the human race”
As we celebrate the birth of our Lord, let us celebrate His life as the light that brings forth life day after day. May His light penetrate the darkness of our hearts and shine brightly in our hearts and in our homes. May His light guide us on the path to the Father. May we allow His light to fill us with joy and peace as we encounter Him in His word and flesh.
Chrysta Joy Jaucian is a student physical therapist, singer, and missionary from Houston, Texas. She serves with Adore Ministries, a ministry seeking to know, love, and serve God by serving teens and families along the local margins. Chrysta loves drinking coffee, sharing laughter, and finding Jesus in the ordinary.