Shops and homes sparkling with lights. Friendly hellos in the supermarkets. People smiling. To me, this is a clear indication that Christmas is at hand.
This season of the year is filled with lovely symbols. And light is one of the most precious. The lights shining in windows. The candles of Hanuka. The lights in children's eyes at the wonder of the Christmas story. It's a timeless, universal story of God's love lighting the world, guiding the seekers to the place where Jesus was born.
That world-transforming event came about in such a simple, gentle way. Although it marked the beginning of the Christian calendar, there is no beginning to God's love, to the light of His Christ, which is the message of peace and brotherhood. This is the gift of God to His loved children. Long before Jesus' birth—forever, really—the Christ light has come to every dark corner of this planet, lifting hearts and hopes. No threat of terrorism can ever extinguish that light. No fear or hatred will ever dim its brightness. No single life can be shut out of the fullness of its radiance.
