Share in the light of the Christmas season

“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.” (Isaiah 9:2) Light plays an important role in the symbolism of Biblical teaching from God calling out “Let there be light” in Genesis 1:3 or Jesus describing Himself as being the “light of the world” in John 8:12.

In our modern world where we have chased back the shadows with the glow of electric lamps and a flip of a switch is all that is needed to go from gloom to the brightness of day, it is easy to lose sight of just how powerful the message of the light bringer was to the pre-industrialized world.

There is a saying that you can lead a horse to water, but you cannot make it drink.

In the perpetual daylight of the modern word, we are a lot like that horse. We have unprecedented access to the collected knowledge of generations who have gone before us, yet we stare dumbly at videos of foolish people doing foolish things. We have in our pantries delicacies that would have been fit for emperors and the courts of kings, and instead grow fat on over-processed meals, seeking convenience over quality.

During the Christmas season, the symbolism of light is everywhere. This makes historical sense given that the holiday occurs at the darkest time of the year for the northern hemisphere. The messages of the Bible stories are not subtle when it comes to describing the light of hope and the promise of salvation.

The challenge comes with what people do when they see that light.

Many stand as the proverbial thirsty horse at the water trough, waiting for something else to happen in order to take a drink. They squander the light that they have been given through their inaction.

Others take advantage of the light and use it to guide their steps ever forward. What we do with the light matters. Of all the lessons of the Christmas season, this is one that is often pushed to the background among the torn wrapping paper, discarded bows and other debris of the post-holiday festivities.

This lesson requires us as individuals to take action and make a choice. Do we retreat to the comfortable darkness, or do we go out into the light and get to work as we are instructed in Matthew 5:16, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works”?

Keeping the light we are given through the Christmas season takes work throughout the year. As individuals and communities we must make full use of the light we are given to make the world a better place for all.

The Tribune Record Gleaner editorial board consists of publisher Kris O’Leary and Star News editor Brian Wilson.