The Light Shines in the Darkness" and the Birth of Jesus

MGOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Advent Season:  Fourth Week : Thursday* 

*Gospel :  John 1:1-18*

*First Reading : Is 52:7-10*

*Responsorial Psalm : 98:1-6*

*Second Reading : Hebrews 1:1-6*

*“The Light Shines in the Darkness"  and the Birth of Jesus*

*1) The World in Darkness Before His Birth*

Before Jesus’ coming, humanity lived in many forms of darkness:

*Spiritual darkness* – people longed for God but lacked clarity and hope.

*Moral darkness* – injustice, sin, and fear dominated human life.

*Historical darkness* – Israel lived under foreign oppression, waiting for the Messiah.

Into this situation, God did not send a theory or a message alone—He sent His Son. Jesus is not just a bearer of light; He is the Light. “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light” (Isaiah 9:2)

*2) The Humble Birth: Light in Unexpected Places*

Jesus is born: not in a palace, but in a manger, not amid power, but amid poverty and simplicity, not welcomed by the powerful, but by shepherds

This shows us a profound truth: God’s light often appears where the world least expects it. The darkness of Bethlehem’s night is pierced by the glory of God.

*3) Light That Darkness Cannot Overcome* 

The darkness tries to resist the Light:

Herod’s violence

rejection and misunderstanding

poverty and exile

Yet the Child survives. This teaches us:

God’s plan cannot be destroyed by human fear or cruelty.

Even when darkness seems strong, Light is stronger.

The cross itself will later seem like the victory of darkness—but the Resurrection proves otherwise. Christmas already carries this victory in seed form.

*4) Jesus as Light for Every Human Life*

The birth of Jesus reveals what His light does:

*Light reveals*– He shows us who God truly is.

*Light guides* – like the star that led the Magi.

*Light warms* – bringing mercy, forgiveness, and hope.

*Light transforms* – sinners become saints, fear becomes faith.

Where Christ is welcomed, darkness loses its power.

*5) Application to Our Lives Today*

Christmas invites us to ask:

What darkness exists in my life—fear, sin, confusion, discouragement?

Am I allowing Christ’s light to enter those spaces?

Like Mary and Joseph, we may not understand everything—but if we welcome the Light, God will work within us.

Even a small flame is enough to break the darkest night.

*6) Be Bearers of the Light*

The Light born in Bethlehem now shines through us:

through acts of love

through forgiveness

through truth and justice

through hope in times of suffering

When we live in Christ, we become reflections of His Light in the world.

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*