The Light of the World

Jack Robson, Deacon, Last Mountain Anglican Parish

December 10, 2024

Our little Haliburton School was jammed with family & visitors, and we students said our recitations, participated in the plays & sang the beloved carols. A glorious Christmas memory.

I particularly remember the gas lanterns (no electricity) that lit up the school, gently hissing, with the odd snap, but keeping the December darkness outside. In the timeless Christmas story, of Jesus' birth, light plays a very important role. Jesus is, "The Light of the World," according to John 8:12, so light is an integral element of this story.

Can we as mortals imagine the scene on the Bethlehem hillside? Heaven could not contain its joy, as the sky burst open, radiant, dazzling light shone all around; bright, shining, angel choruses sang, "Peace on Earth Good Will to Man." One item that is not recorded in the Gospel, a Godly, Heavenly light must have guided the Shepherds to the correct stable and the Holy Child. The amazing star of Bethlehem that led the Magi, Wisemen or Kings over many miles and days to the Christ Child is so mysterious. The light would have to be brilliant to capture the travellers' attention, and close enough to lead them onward to Bethlehem. This was the Light of our Lord God Almighty, none other. "In thy (Bethlehem's) dark street shineth, the Everlasting Light, the hopes and fears of all the years are met in Thee tonight." The Light, our Saviour, came and dwelt among us, and is still with us, as we celebrate again, "The Light of the World."