«In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it» (John 1:1-5).

Jesus Christ is described by St. John as light, as light that shines in the darkness and he says that this light defeats the darkness. Each year it seems that we approach Christmas in a world that is so broken and enveloped in darkness and our own lives are also overshadowed by sufferings and difficulties, trials and setbacks. It is easy for us to lose hope and to feel like the darkness has won. In the midst of all this we celebrate the mystery of Christ’s birth and the light which He shines on us brings us hope again. Christ’s light dispels our darkness.

All the Christmas lights we put up remind us of this «true light, which enlightens everyone» (John 1:9). The light of a bright star led the wise men to the manger to find the Light of the World. Jesus is born at the time of the winter solstice which marks the day of shortest light, after which the days begin to get longer, because from the moment of His Incarnation as man the light begins to increase. Dear brothers and sisters, may the light of Christ scatter the darkness in your lives and allow you to see more clearly the Lord’s nearness to you and may the celebration of His birth fill your hearts with His peace, joy, and love! Merry Christmas!

Fr. Alessandro