No one really likes the darkness. While I am thankful for every season, winter is my least favourite if I am honest. I remember when I used to commute to work, I would wake up in the morning and set out about 7am whilst it was still dark, and then at the end of my working day around half past five, it would already be dark again.  It was even worse when it rained, so I had to deal with a combination of things my body just didn't feel comfortable with: the cold, the darkness and the soaking rain. Those winter months felt like living in a perpetual twilight.

Imagine waking up in the morning and everywhere is dark. Most of us will have a brief period of disorientation before making our way to the light switch, perhaps bumping into furniture or feeling along the wall. But once the light comes on, there is an immediate sense of relief and direction. You know where you are and where you are going. The simple act of turning on a light transforms everything.

In Isaiah chapter nine, verse two, we read these words: "The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned." This was a prophecy regarding the birth of Jesus Christ, spoken at a particularly dark time in Israel's history. The northern cities of Zebulun and Naphtali had been invaded by the Assyrian king, as recorded in 2 Kings chapter fifteen, verse twenty-nine. Many had been taken captive, and those who remained lived under oppression and fear. 

The arrival of Jesus was like the coming of a great light to remove the darkness of captivity and suffering. Walking in darkness is not an enjoyable experience at all. You stumble and collide with obstacles because you cannot see your way clearly enough to avoid what lies in your path.

The Christmas season reminds us that in the midst of so much darkness and evil around us, we can have light. Interestingly, as I write this, two scriptures have come to my mind. John wrote at the beginning of his gospel, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." Meanwhile, the psalmist wrote in Psalm one hundred and nineteen, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path." Isn't it fascinating that the psalmist was referring to the written word of God as a lamp and light, but in the New Testament, Jesus himself is referred to as the Word? This is not a coincidence. The written word reveals Jesus, and Jesus is the living Word who brings light into our darkness.

Christmas reminds us that Jesus is the Light of the world. In John chapter eight, verse twelve, Jesus declares, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." Notice that Jesus doesn't simply say he shows us the light or points us towards the light. He says He is the light itself. When we have Jesus, we have everything we need to navigate through the darkest times of our lives.

A lot of people today, including those preparing for Christmas through shopping and other activities, are walking in darkness because they do not know the Light of the world. For them, Christmas is primarily a time of festivities, gift-giving and spending time with family. These things are not bad in themselves, but without knowing Jesus, they are celebrating Christmas without understanding its true meaning. They are like someone sitting in a dark room, trying to enjoy themselves whilst missing the light switch that is right beside them.

How can we as Christians show what Christmas really means? I believe we do this by being reflections of Christ's light in our own lives. When people see genuine joy, peace and hope in us, even during difficult times, they see something different. When we show kindness to those around us, when we give generously not out of obligation but out of love, when we speak words of encouragement rather than criticism, we are demonstrating what it means to walk in the light. 

The apostle Paul wrote to the Ephesians that we were once darkness, but now we are light in the Lord, and we should live as children of light.

This Christmas, as we celebrate the birth of Jesus, let us remember that he came not just to be admired in a manger scene, but to bring light into the darkest corners of human existence. He came for those who are stumbling in darkness, for those who have lost their way, for those who cannot see a path forward. The good news of Christmas is that the light has come, and that light is available to everyone who will receive him. 

As we enjoy the festivities and time with loved ones, may we also be mindful of those around us who are still walking in darkness, and may we be willing to share the light we have found in Jesus Christ.