The Importance of Light

Can you remember some of your Christmas experiences as a child? Do you recall going around your community to see outdoor lights and decorations? Glowing lights are indeed an essential part of the warmth and sense of hope we find during this season. Christ, our Light, is born again in our lives. We trust and believe that somehow, some way there will be peace and goodwill throughout the earth and in our families.

The lights of Christmas remind us that no one can live without hope. We all hope for the spiritual gifts of love, peace, joy, and justice. And we all hope to experience these gifts in our own lifetime. As Christians, we must keep hope alive—both in ourselves and in those around us. Jesus is our true Light; in him we find real reasons to hope.

Parents best nurture hope in young people by example. Teaching that Jesus is the Light of the World involves more than pious words or simply retelling the Christmas story. It also means being willing to become a warm and welcoming light to others.

Family Activity

Talk about past family Christmas traditions. Perhaps some of them are no longer a part of your current celebration. If so, choose one that had been particularly meaningful and fit it into this year’s celebration. This may involve some research and talking with extended family members about their recollections of the tradition. Involve all family members as you prepare to renew this tradition. Or, you may choose to introduce one of your family traditions to neighbors or extended family.

See the Liturgical Calendar on this site for additional information.
See also Catechist—Lent or Teacher—Lent for Liturg