LIGHT A CANDLE

“Better to light a candle than curse the darkness.”

A single candle does have amazing power. The light from a single candle can transform a pitch-black dark room.

I hear what the proverb is saying. I understand the physics. I get the focus on the positive.

But, I think I will do both this Christmas – light a candle and curse the darkness.

The darkness needs cursing – the darkness of evil, the darkness of fear, the darkness of guilt and shame, the darkness of pain and suffering…

Christmas comes at the darkest time of the year here in the Northern Hemisphere for a reason. Christmas recognizes the darkness, affirms the power of the darkness over us, and speaks to the darkness in our own personal lives and world.

It seems to me that Christmas brings both blessings and curses.

The blessing which comes with the One who says I am the Light of the World. The candles we light this time of year point to Him.

And the curse of the darkness for what it is.

(This is a reposting of a reflection I wrote in 2019.)