Commentary: Celebrate the triumph of light
In the midst of living in challenging times, with COVID-19 precautions in place that are causing changes in most areas of our lives, the Christmas season continues to
do what it does best. Christmas seems to move the world towards love,
peace and great joy.
In scriptures, there is a pronouncement made to us in Luke 2:10, declaring, “…Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.”
Despite what was happening on the earth at that time, and no matter the circumstances that many found themselves in, it was a message of hope sent to all people. Good tidings of great joy had come for everyone, but everyone didn’t know it. They needed a bearer of good news.
Today we need bearers of good news!
During this holiday season and the second year of the pandemic, many will be
facing the season for the first time without loved ones. Others will be facing new health
and social challenges, and many will be alone as they observe travel restrictions and quarantine guidelines.
But there is still good news! It’s the same news declared to the world many years ago.
We have hope in what we believe, what we remember and what we engage. The challenge to us all is to be the good news! Reach out to a family member, a friend or even a neighbor who may not be connected during this season. Talk about the great memories of the past and the great hope for the future. Bake cookies for someone. Take time to laugh and to love with others.
Be the light that has come into the world that disrupts the loneliness of dark times.
Whether you celebrated with the menorah candles of Hanukkah, by lights of a Christmas tree or the flames of Kwanzaa, they all remind us that there is light in the world that cannot be extinguished by circumstances.
May we stand strong and tall together this holiday season. May we celebrate the triumph of light over darkness and spirituality over materiality. May we be the good news of light that chases away the darkness.
Happy holidays, everyone!
#BeTheLight
Rev. Carol Harris is supervisor of pastoral care and chaplaincy services at Bayhealth.
