Let the Light of Christ Shine Through You

In the beginning was the Word,
and the Word was with God,
and the Word was God.
He was in the beginning with God.
All things came to be through him,
and without him nothing came to be.
What came to be through him was life,
and this life was the light of the human race;
the light shines in the darkness,
and the darkness has not overcome it.
John 1:1–5

During the Christmas season we celebrate the incarnation of God's "Word" in the person of the Jesus. As God’s "Word," Jesus is "the way, the truth, and the life" (John 14:6). Jesus is also "the light of the world," who promises that "Whoever follows [him] will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12). Jesus is the human face of God for us, who reveals the fullness of God’s unconditional love for all creation, calling us to follow God’s will and way that leads to experiencing abundant life now and eternal life beyond (John 10:10; 28).

The light of Christ calls for a deep awareness of the inherent dignity of all humans beings, who are created in the image and likeness of God (Genesis 1:26-27). We are called "children of God" (1 John 3:1). The Holy Spirit dwells in the core of every person (Romans 8:9, 1 Cor. 3:16), fostering a sense of unity and compassion among us.

Jesus exhorts us to be the "light of Christ" for others. This light is not meant to be hidden but to shine brightly, illuminating the darkness and guiding others towards the love of God. "Your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father" (Matthew 5:14-16).

We do this through hope and faith in God, discerning the promptings of the Holy Spirit to guide and empower us to be, reflect on, speak, and act according to God's will and way. We humbly surrender and allow the light of Christ to shine through us in words and deeds of love, hope, joy, gratitude, kindness, compassion, and selfless service to the needs of others, especially the poor, hungry, homeless, sick, and marginalized among us.

As we embody and reflect the light of Christ, we also contribute to the reign of peace among all of creation. Our words and actions—inspired by Christ's love, teaching, and example—can bring about healing, forgiveness, reconciliation and harmony in our world. This peace is not just the absence of conflict but the presence of God's shalom—a holistic peace that encompasses well-being, justice, and flourishing for all creation.

Take some time to reflect on when, how, or through whom you have experienced the "light of Christ" in your life. What times in your life have you avoided the light of Christ and lived in the "darkness" of sin and alienation from God? Are you allowing the "light of Christ" to shine through you to others? If not, what is preventing you from doing this?