In just a few days, hours really, we will celebrate the birth of Jesus, the light of the world. Christmas is the season of light. Just look around at how much we use lights and candles during this time of the year. Light is an important religious image and it one that Jesus himself used often. There is one ancient Jewish story about light that is very fitting for Christmas.
An old rabbi once asked his students how they can tell when the night has ended and the day has finally begun. One of his pupils said, “Is it when you can see an animal in the distance and tell whether or not it’s a sheep or a dog?” “No, “said the rabbi. Another student said, “Is it when you can look and see a tree in the distance and tell whether it is a fig tree or a peach tree?” “No, that’s not it,” the rabbi said. “Then when is it?” the students asked him. “It is when you can look on the face of any man or woman and see that they are your brother or sister. When you can do that, then the day has come. If, however, you can look at the face of any man or woman and not see that they are your brother or sister, then it is still night.”
Jesus came as the light of the world. When we follow him, night turns into day.
As Christmas arrives, why not invite a few of your friends and neighbors to join you at Mass? Christmas is one time of the year when many people who have wandered away from Church or God seem to find it easier to come home. You might be an instrument of peace for one such person. This reminds me of something someone told me the other day.
According to this friend of mine, he and his extended family were together to celebrate Thanksgiving. During the meal, the discussion turned to Christmas and plans for going to Mass. One of the people at the table began to mumble that they wouldn’t set foot in church because they didn’t like the priest. Grandma listened to this and finally spoke up, “Now David, that’s a bit of nonsense and you know it. I know you well and I know that you don’t like the bartender either, but that doesn’t stop you for going for a whiskey when you think you need one, does it? Why don’t you come to church with me? Whether you like the priest isn’t that important, but God is important. You come with me this Christmas!”
Christmas is near, why not take the time to invite a friend or family member to celebrate the coming of the dawn and of the light in the birth of Jesus?