“The light shines on in the darkness, and the darkness does not overcome it” (Jn 1:5). Thus does the prologue to John’s gospel, read at the Christmas morning Mass, suggest the deeper meaning of our celebration of the birth of Jesus.
Around the time of the birth of Jesus, the Romans started celebrating the annual festival of the Invincible Sun near the winter solstice, a renewal feast celebrating the triumph of light over darkness as the days began to lengthen. In a brilliant pastoral strategy, sometime early in the fourth century, the Christian community began celebrating the birth of Christ as the true light of the world.
The symbolism of light continues to enhance our celebration of Christmas today. The outdoor lights often creatively arranged help fashion a festive mood while the colorful lights on the Christmas tree provide a fitting backdrop for gleeful children opening presents.
However, serious reflection on the great struggle between light and darkness will not let us rest with smiling children opening presents. We must deal with the darker side in order to see the whole picture. Darkness symbolizes the evils which afflict us and our world: culpable ignorance that blinds us to the truth; personal sin that damages our relationship with God and our neighbor; international wars that decimate populations and cities; extreme partisan politics that threaten our democratic institutions; stock piles of nuclear weapons capable of destroying our fragile ecosystem; and unchecked global warming that eventually threatens the whole human family.
The word made flesh did not escape the dark forces in our world. The Christmas story has its shadow side. Without it, the story would lack both drama and credibility. Thus woven into the good news is the story of a young woman confused about talk of giving birth before her marriage; a young man in shock over the pregnancy of his fiancé because he knows she is good and he is not the father; a long journey in late pregnancy because of the unreasonable demands of the occupying power; a birth in a stable because there is no room in the inn; a wicked king driven by insecurity and jealousy who forces the flight to Egypt and slaughters innocent children. Darkness is on the attack, even as the drama of salvation moves towards its definitive fulfillment.
The good news is that the light continues to shine on in the darkness and that the darkness cannot overcome it. The Christmas story is an account of the triumph of the light over the darkness. Mary works her way through the confusion and says a clear unequivocal “yes” to her maternal role in the divine plan. Joseph overcomes his doubts and proceeds to take Mary as his wife. Despite the arduous trip to Bethlehem and the crowded inn, Mary gives birth to a healthy baby who will be light for the world. Wise men from the East follow the star, bring gifts and foil the evil plans of Herod. Shepherds witness the bright glory of the Lord shining around them, overcome their fears and visit the child praising God for sharing the good news with them. A child has been born. His name is Jesus for he will save his people. He will be called “Son of God” and be known as “Emmanuel” which means “God with us.”
At each crucial point in the story, when darkness threatened, the light prevailed, suggesting that the loving God is in charge of the process, directing the drama. The Word does not remain aloof and remote, but takes on our flesh joining forever the divine and the human. He is the true light who guides the human family on the journey to eternal life. Christ does not banish the darkness but struggles against it, insuring the final defeat of all the dark forces. The Christmas story reveals the most significant truths about the whole human adventure. We are not alone. The process of life can be trusted. The victory is assured. The light is indeed stronger than the darkness.
An adult celebration of Christmas which respects both the harsh reality of life and the positive meaning of the incarnation guides and strengthens us for the daily struggle to transform the darkness. Faith in the God of light does not take away chaos, catastrophe, oppression, failure, ignorance and guilt, but it does make these dark realities more manageable. Illumined by the Christmas message we recognize again our responsibility to face our chaotic and frightening emotions rather than repressing them. We see more clearly that catastrophes call us to greater reliance on God as the only ultimate source of security. We are more sensitive to the plight of the oppressed and better prepared to join the struggle against institutional evil and social sin.
If the darkness cannot overcome the light, then our failures need not pull us down permanently, but can be a stimulus for greater growth. Our ignorance need not doom us to narrowness and insensitivity but can move us to become more attentive, insightful and reasonable. Our sins need not close us in on ourselves, but can open us up to God’s forgiveness and mercy.
By allowing the light of Christ to flood our minds and hearts we not only deal better with the darkness but we are also more attentive to the glimmers of light that reflect the Source. A fault overcome, a love rekindled, energy renewed, an injustice righted, a prayer answered all become reminders that the light continues to shine in the darkness. The familiar experiences of the Christmas season can take on a new radiance when illumined by the Word made flesh. The exchange of cards and gifts can move beyond a routine obligation to an authentic expression of personal care. Parties can be genuine celebrations which reflect the essential goodness of eating, drinking and being together. Christmas Mass with its familiar hymns, festive ambiance, inspiring scriptures readings and shared eucharistic nourishment can bring families closer together and motivate them to strive to be a more loving “domestic church.”
On Christmas we celebrate the good news that the light of Christ, the Word made flesh, is more powerful than all the dark forces that assail us. Let us pray that the Holy Spirit will strengthen us to carry the hopeful Christmas spirit into the days ahead so we can do our part to promote peace in our world, to preserve democracy in our country and to deepen love in our families.
About the Author
Fr. James J. Bacik has served as a priest of the Diocese of Toledo since his ordination in 1962. He is a widely regarded theologian, writer, lecturer and pastor who served as campus minister and adjunct professor of humanities at the University of Toledo for more than 30 years. Fr. Bacik is an AUSCP member. Visit his website at frjimbacik.org.