Light

There is more to this Christmas story ~

Contrary to the date of our celebration, Jesus was most likely not born in the winter. The clue is right in the Biblical text ~

Now there were in the same country, shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock at night. ~ Luke 2:8

Israel is not particularly balmy in December and shepherds don't hang out in the fields in the winter No, that's a place they would more likely take their flock in the spring and summer. But what I love about celebrating Christ's birth on December 25th is that it's a few days after the winter solstice ~ the shortest day of the year in the northern hemisphere where I live.

The shortest day of the year means the longest night. The shortest day means the least amount of light. The shortest day means the most amount of darkness. But Jesus is Light. Celebrating His birth at the darkest time of year means that His Light shines even more brightly. I just love the juxtaposition of these two events.

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great Light; those who dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them a Light has shined...For unto us a child is born. - Isaiah 9:2, 6