Isaiah 52:7-10; John 1:1-14
‘The lights shines in the darkness and the darkness did not overcome it.’
Can I suggest we start with the darkness?
Not very Christmassy you might reply. This is the season for fun and feasting, for focussing on the positive and the upbeat. If the angels announced good news of great joy for all people, shouldn’t we attend to what makes us feel good? Looking at the darkness is not going to help us do that.
I agree that Christmas is about good news. Indeed, John’s gospel, from which today’s Gospel reading – so familiar at Christmas - comes, is all about good news. It is the story of transformation, of joy, of life in all its fullness. But it starts with being real about the darkness. A darkness that seems to have power, that threatens to dominate. In the end the darkness did not overcome the light. But it might have done.
We can so easily imagine that the world is naturally brighter now. So many improvements have taken place in the 2000 years between the first Christmas and this one. Improvements in healthcare and technology and political systems and the exercise of justice. But if we are honest the darkness is just as real, and just as threatening, as it ever was.
The darkness of conflict and war, throughout the land where Jesus was born and became a refugee – and in so many corners of the world.
The darkness of political and economic uncertainty as global tectonic plates change and the relationship between power and the rule of law is under pressure.
The darkness of abuse and the failure to respond effectively as the Church of England has had to confront in our midst.
The darkness of climate change as we know what is happening in creation but apparently lack the will to take the action needed.
The darkness of personal struggles as we live with financial worries, relational breakdown and mental health challenges.
You may be only too aware of what darkness looks like for you.
Reading a passage like this on Christmas Day should give us permission to be real about the darkness. Indeed, the more we are real about the darkness, the more we will both yearn for and welcome the light when it comes.
Just over a week ago this Cathedral was plunged into darkness as we prepared to light the Christmas tree here at the front of church. And from the back of church a young member of the Durham Miners Association band came down the aisle carrying a miner’s lamp, lit and emitting a small flame. The light grasped our attention and offered hope that darkness will not have the final word. My heart began to quicken as the light came closer.
Well, here’s the good news. Darkness does not win. Darkness does not have the final word.
‘The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.’
That light was not optimism or a belief that if we all work a bit harder things can only get better. That light was not a political system or an economic theory. That light was not a new piece of technology or scientific discovery. That light was a person, Jesus Christ.
Jesus Christ – through whom all things were made, including the sun and the stars. He is the source of light. This is light that will last.
Jesus Christ – who became flesh and dwelt among us, bringing his light and life to a stable in Bethlehem, to a refugee’s camp in Egypt, to a family home in Nazareth. He is the one who touched the sick and wept with the bereaved. This is light that can shine in all places, including the darkest places of secrecy and shame.
Jesus Christ – who enlightens the world, through bringing truth to light – about ourselves and our world. He is the one who spoke truth to power and showed compassion to the vulnerable. This is light that reveals the truth we are all beautiful, we are all broken and we are all loved.
Jesus Christ – who showed his glory most fully not at the start of his life but at its end, when he gave his life on the cross, bearing in himself the darkness of our sin, so that in the dazzling light of the resurrection there is the chance for a new beginning. This is the light that enables to be adopted as forgiven, loved children of God. This is light that brings life.
‘The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.’
Jesus Christ – light that will last, light that shines everywhere, light that reveals truth, light that brings life.
The world needs this light as we face problems which cannot be solved by human energy alone.
The church needs this light as we face up to the truth of our failures and take actions worthy of our repentance.
We need this light as we face up to our own darkness and find in Jesus Christ the one who meets us where we are, loves us completely and offers a life rooted in forgiveness, joy and hope.
We will shortly be invited to come around the Lord’s table. As we do so, may we in bread and wine receive the light of Christ, so that this Christmas and in the days to come, we know the life that he came to bring. And may we return praying that we will show forth the light of Christ in all that we offer in his service.
‘The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.’
We started with the darkness, but we don’t have to end with it. I pray that the light found in Jesus Christ and him alone will dispel the darkness and shadows in our lives, and all for the glory of the Word who became flesh, even Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.