Every year it takes me by surprise. The suddenness of the drawing in of the winter evenings seems to be much more rapid than the gradual, long lightening of the evenings once we get into the New Year. As we reach December, light is in short supply. Reliable electricity is so much part of our lives that we probably struggle to recall experiences of how dark the nights can be. Camping far from a town or staying somewhere without electricity gives us a clue. Those with long memories may go back to the city-wide power-cuts in the 3 day week of the early 1970's or even the wartime blackout. When everything is dark, a candle or torch seem very puny against the surrounding darkness. Yet even a candle is a great improvement on complete darkness.
No wonder the image of light is so powerful. Light is opposed to darkness. Light is associated with life and joy rather than sorrow, death or disaster. When a light shines in darkness, we can see where we are, recognize other people. We can see the way to go; and the way to avoid. We can see to read or work.
No wonder light is so often used as an image of Christ. It is one that he used of himself in John chapter 8 verse 12.
'I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.'
There is a well known, though rather sentimental, picture by the Victorian artist William Holman Hunt called The Light of the World. The original is in an Oxford College, but a later copy by the artist hangs in St Paul's Cathedral. A very well-built image of Christ fills the picture. The light comes from behind him, where a new dawn is breaking and in his hand Christ holds a lantern. He is outside a door with no handle, a door which looks so overgrown. It has not been opened for a long time. The scene picks up words from the book of Revelation: "Here I am. I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in." This picture had an extraordinary impact on many people at the time. It was taken on tour and even shown in the USA.
Jesus is called the light of the world because he sheds light on a confusing and troubled world. The light of Jesus helps us to know more truly who we are because it shines into the murkiest of corners. In the light of Jesus we can be healed and forgiven. Followers of Christ are called to walk in the light, to live their lives on the basis that the good news about his light and love are a present reality. The invitation is there for us. It is up to us to respond, to open the door into our lives.
We cannot dictate or impose our faith on others. Yet this invitation is not just for our own private benefit. Jesus said he was the light of the world, not just of regular church-goers. The least we can do is to make this known; to invite those around us to look for and experience the light of Christ.
Richard Bainbridge December 2006
Used by permission from the author at the Church of the Good Shepherd with St. Peter, Lee.
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