The Second World War lasted for about 6 years. It shattered the peace, joy and hope of millions. Soldiers began to experience the futility of war and longed for a dawn of peace. But peace seemed an utopia. A blood chilling night of December 24. German soldiers hid themselves in the cold bunkers watching for the movement of the enemy, the English soldiers who occupied the opposite dark bunkers.
Death hung over their heads like the sword of Damocles.
Death hung over their heads like the sword of Damocles.
Heaven provided a contrast with a clear sky, shining with twinkling lights and free from the fire emitting war planes.. It rekindled in their hearts the sweet memories of Christmas. Stars and candles, plum cakes and chocolates, Christmas trees and carols flashed through their minds.
Then there emerged a light from a bunker "a candle". All the enemy canons were directed to it. Soon one more made its appearance. Then another, and another. The whole area was lit with bright candle lights. Instead of cannons all came out with candles. A Christmas in a battle field. In the place of bullets they exchanged sweets and sweet memories of the divine song of the angels
"Glory to God in the highest
And peace to men of goodwill"
Dear brothers and sisters. December 21st is the shortest Day for the year in the Northern hemisphere. After that the length of the day progressed. So the Romans, in ancient times celebrated the feast of light. And the celebration fell on 25th December.
St John says in his Gospel.
"In the beginning was the word.
The word was with God, and the Word was God.
The Word is the true light that enlightens all men.
St Paul, in today's second reading proclaims that Jesus is the radiant light of God's glory.
The light comes from the east, goes the wise saying.. The sun rises in the east and slowly dispels the darkness that engrosses the world.
Today we celebrate the birth of Jesus, the ever shining light of God's glory. St John quotes the words of Jesus, "I am the light of the world." In John's language light stands for goodness, for holiness, for joy, for life and for God himself.
We are all familiar with the importance of light. In India it is customary that a light is lit and placed in the front of any house. It dispels the darkness in the house.
When Jesus was born a huge light, never seen before, appeared in heaven. It proclaimed the birth of a divine child, and the wise men followed its path in search of the child.
The star, the song of the angels and the message of the birth of Jesus divided the human race and put them into two camps. Herod and the high priests found their throne challenged; they conspired against the child, they hatched plans to annihilate the light. They spent sleepless nights pondering over it.
But on the other hand the comet was a joy for the simple shepherds, the wise men and the whole creation. They flocked to the manger to glance at the new born babe , the promise of ages.
As the comet stands above us brightly lit, proclaiming the birth of Jesus let's recall the words of Isaiah(52:7-10)
How beautiful on the mountains
Are the feet of one who brings good news,
Who heralds peace, brings happiness and proclaims salvation.
May the peace of the infant Jesus reign in your hearts and houses.
Satish