1 John 2:3-11 / Luke 2:22-35
When setting up the Nativity Scene, it is necessary to have this one important element, without which the whole Nativity Scene would look rather odd.
Besides the backdrop of the stable and the manger and bits of lookalike hay, it is important that there must be light shining on the figure of the baby Jesus, or at least there must be light around the figure.
A Nativity Scene without light would look rather odd, and perhaps it betrays a lack of understanding of the meaning of Christmas.
In the prayers for the Christmas season, the aspect of light is often repeated, besides the emphasis of the celebration of the Lord's birth.
That is emphasized in the gospel when the devout and upright Simeon, who looked forward to Israel's comforting, blessed God when he held the infant Jesus in his arms and for letting him see the salvation which God had prepared for all the nations.
And then Simeon added: A light to enlighten the pagans and the glory of your people Israel.
Jesus came as Saviour and salvation is manifested as light that will scatter the darkness and the darkness can never overcome it.
The 1st reading says that with Jesus, the night is over and the real light is already shining.
The celebration of Christmas is the the celebration of Christ as the true Light who shines forth the light of salvation on us.
If we live in that light, then we will love God and our neighbour. If not, then we are still in the dark. May the light of our Saviour Jesus Christ shine on us and scatter the darkness of our sins and fill us with light and love.