“A Light Has Dawned”
The winter solstice is once again upon us. This is a day that has been celebrated for centuries. The winter solstice is the shortest day of the year. Once it passes the hours of daylight slowly begin to lengthen. Ancient people found this as cause for celebration. They were reminded each year at this time that darkness would not prevail. Many people believe that Christmas came to be celebrated this time of year for the same reason. We do not know for a fact what month Christ was born. Some scholars believe it likely occurred in the spring rather than at the start of winter but the date of December 25 may well have been chosen to coincide with the winter solstice because the message of Christmas likewise declares that darkness will not prevail.
Long before Jesus came the prophet Isaiah wrote, “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the shadow of death a light has dawned.” (Isaiah 9:2) This prophecy has been linked with Christ for centuries. His coming brought light to the world, a light that darkness cannot extinguish. Jesus himself said “I am the light of the world.” (John 9:5) Reflecting on Jesus the author of the Fourth Gospel said, “In him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it.” (John 1:4-5)
Darkness can be a scary thing both literally and figuratively. We all know that darkness often conveys the idea of danger. It can also be a metaphor for despair. Darkness pretty much describes what life is like apart from Christ. Without him things are gloomy. Without Jesus there is little hope. Without Christ we live in “the shadow of death.” If I had to describe in one word what my life would be like apart from Jesus I could think of no more appropriate word than “darkness.”
As the winter solstice approaches and the celebration of Christmas draws near I give thanks that into this world of darkness “a light has dawned.” I rejoice knowing that because of what God did that first Christmas long ago darkness does not have the final word. Even though there is still plenty of darkness in the world I remain confident that this darkness will not prevail because that child born in Bethlehem truly was and is “the light of the world.”
–Chuck
(I took the top image of Skylight Cave in Cumberland Gap National Historical Park. I took the bottom image at Sequoia National Park.)