LIGHT SHINES IN THE DARKNESS
As we observe the Nativity of Our Lord this year, there are lots of shadows and darkness around. The darkness of disease is still real, disrupting our gatherings and spreading through a new variant. The darkness of division seems to work its way ever deeper in families, communities, nations as we are all at each other’s throats for the smallest of things. The darkness of disaster brought about by climate change is frightening. We can put up some holiday lights, make cookies, and have a feast to divert our attention from the dark, but it does not last long. Isaiah, however, gives us a message about a child born who actually can and does bring hope, peace, healing, and life itself. The child’s name is Jesus.