Light for the world

He has come, let him lead us

My dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

“Whatever came to be in him found life, life for the light of men. The light shines on in darkness, a darkness that did not overcome it.” (John 1: 4-5)

We hear these stirring words of Saint John the Evangelist in the Mass of Christmas Day. They point out to us that Jesus Christ was the bright star that illuminated the long night into which the people of his time had lived. For those who were willing to welcome and step into the light, he was a new and radiant life.

As we experience and celebrate the birth of our Savior in the flesh on Christmas, we see fear overcome, hopelessness turned into joy and darkness turned to light. The world into which Our Lord was born was one of uncertainty, filled with fear and darkness. He taught all those he met, however, that there are good things of which they can be certain. He taught them not to be afraid. And he overcame the darkness of hatred, of ignorance and of indifference to one’s fellow man with his example of love.

The world in which we live today is, in some ways, not very different from that in which our Savior was born. Many are still plagued with fear, uncertainty and darkness. Unlike the people of old, however, we are already aware of the Savior in whom our hope lies. Christ is among us today, just as he was in Bethlehem. He stands ready to dispel our fears, take away our uncertainties and fill our lives with light.

Like the shepherds, the Magi and those whose lives the Lord Jesus touched during his earthly ministry, we have only to believe in him and allow him to lead us from darkness to light. Christmas Day and the holy season which follows remind us that there are good things and bright days to which we can look forward if we open the eyes of our hearts to him.

The birth of Christ is not merely an historical fact that we annually recall, but an event that continually provides us with hope that the world can be a place of light. We Christians, for our part, must receive the gifts that have been given to us through our incarnate Savior with gratitude. We must then recommit ourselves to sharing them with others.

May the gift of Jesus, the Light of the world, who is given us on Christmas fill your hearts and your homes with abundant blessings. May His peace and joy be with you throughout the New Year.

With every prayerful best wish, I remain

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Most Reverend Robert J. McManus
Bishop of Worcester