1 John 2:3-11 / Luke 2:22-35
The symbols of Christmas has this profound aspect of being symbols of light.
From the candles in the Advent wreath, to the star of Bethlehem, to the decorative lights on the Christmas tree and the electric bulb shining on the baby Jesus in the crib, all these are symbols and representations of light.
Indeed, Christmas is a celebration of the the light of Christ shining into our human shadows and scattering away the darkness of sin.
In the gospel, Simeon saw that light and his heart was at peace. His wait is over.
Our wait is also over because the 1st reading tells us that the night is over and the real light is already shining.
For the commercial world, Christmas is over, but for us Christmas has just begun.
Let us walk in the light of love and forgiveness, mercy and compassion, generosity and sacrifice so that we too will be symbols of the light of Christ.