In today’s Gospel, we read the prophetic song of Zechariah. The Messiah is referred to here as the light from on high. A ray of light that shines on those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death. What a beautiful illustration! We are preparing to welcome Jesus, by lighting stars and lights. He came as a beacon for the man who wanders in the dark without knowing the way.
Christmas is a festival of light. The life of Christ itself is closely connected with the light. At his birth, an extraordinary star guided the sages. At the time of his death, the bright sun that illuminated the world went dark. His own words tell us this truth, “I am the light of the world.” (John 8:12). Again, in the first chapter of the Gospel of John, Christ is described as the light that is to come into the world. At the time of our baptism, the priest burns the white wick and says to receive the light of Christ. The time has come to introspect whether we are still living in His light.
CB