As we celebrate Christmas Day, how do we move forward into a new year as people shaped by the reality of the Incarnation? What difference does the Incarnation make in our lives once the gifts have been opened, the good dishes have been put away, the radio stations have returned to non-Christmas music, and kids have returned to school?
We need look no further than today’s reading from the Gospel of John, which includes a beautiful summation of John the Baptist’s ministry:
He was not the light, but came to testify to the light.
We are not the light, but today and every day, we are called to point people to the light, to reflect the light in how we live and work and love others. As Pope Leo has shared, when we center ourselves on Christ, we “overcome the logic of the world, of fake news, of frivolity, with the beauty and light of truth.”
What might it look like for you to point others to the light? It will almost certainly look different from person to person, from one day to the next. Maybe it’s an encouraging word, a meal, an invitation, a deeper question, a helping hand, a willingness to walk alongside someone suffering, or the sharing of our reason for hope.
For many years, the prayer I carry with me through the day has been a simple one: “Lord Jesus Christ, Light of the Universe, shine in me and through me.” That’s still my prayer for my day. And for yours too.
Merry Christmas!
Robert K. Vischer
President
