The Birthday of the Light

Thomas G. Digby

12/25/91

On the Christmas morning comics page two people slogging through the crowds of shoppers pause to ask one another "Isn't this all supposed to be somebody's birthday?"

Yes, it is. This is the birthday of the Light.

Different people see the Light differently:
To many the Light is a babe in a manger,
A child destined to grow into a great teacher and healer,
Bringing the light of love to a world lost in darkness.

To others the light is the light of freedom,
Seen in the miracle of a lamp burning
Far longer than its meager supply of oil should have lasted
After the conquerors were driven from the Temple.

And still others celebrate winter sinlight
Bringing the promise of springtime
And reminding us to look at endings
As opportunities for new beginnings.

But even though we see the Light differently
And hold different days in this season sacred to it,
Let us all look into the light together
To see opportunities for new beginnings
For a world of freedom and healing and love.