“The light in the midst of darkness”
By Rev. Michael Stonhouse
Meditation – Saturday, December 31, 2022
John 8:12-19 (Forward, p. 63) CEV p. 1111
Having just sung our usual Christmastide spate of Christmas carols, I could not avoid noticing, and being impressed, with how often the word ‘light’ showed up within these carols. Once I noticed it initially, it seemed to be everywhere. And, indeed, it stands to reason that the idea of Christ being the light that has come into the darkness of the world almost certainly influenced the decision of the Christian Church to celebrate His birth at the darkest time of the year.
However, scholars are almost universally agreed in stating that this was probably not when Jesus was born. They suggest that it was probably much earlier, probably in the fall, when weather conditions were much more hospitable to shepherds and sheep being outside at night and exposed to the elements. They suggest that it was more likely sometime in October, perhaps mid-October.
That it might have taken place then is more than plausible when one looks at the Jewish customs of the day. The Feast of Tabernacles or Booths (Sukkot in Hebrew) takes place at this very time and was celebrated by constructing and living in booths or tents for seven days. This was meant as a reminder of Israel’s deliverance from slavery in Egypt and its 40-year sojourn (in tents) in the wilderness. It becomes more than something of passing or circumstantial interest, when we read that the Greek word used in John’s Prologue to translate ‘dwelt’ (the Word became flesh and dwelt among us) is the Greek word for ‘tent’. Thus, John is saying that Jesus ‘tabernacled’ among us as a reminder—and a means—of our deliverance.
But not only that: over time there developed a ceremony in the Temple that was associated with the Feast of Tabernacles, namely ‘The Illumination of the Temple.’ The Temple was lit then by four very large menorahs or candlesticks, perhaps as tall as seventy feet in height, which gave off great light to their surroundings and a large area around it. Everyone would have been especially aware of it and its impact.
This helps us understand what took place in today’s passage. Here Jesus riles up His audience by stating that He is the light of the world. So, it was, according to Jesus’ words, not these candlesticks that ‘did the job’, but He Himself. And considering that it was God who provided the light by night during Israel’s sojourn in the wilderness, the implication was clear: Jesus was proclaiming Himself to be God and the provider of that light. In my initial reading of today’s passage, I could not imagine just why the authorities could get so ‘hot and bothered’ by Jesus’ statement about being the light, but now I know. And so, what Jesus says only a few chapters later (John 9:39-41) about people choosing to accept the light and live in it, or refusing to do so, only makes sense.
Today we live in the world that is beset by much darkness and it matters not what time of year we focus on it. It is with us all the time and is such that we desperately need light all year round. And so, it is most suitable that we remember and celebrate the light that is Jesus coming into our world. This is especially so, as we venture into a new year, a year full both of promise and problem, a year where a light to shine in the darkness will be most necessary—and welcome! Hopefully, more and more people will do just that, namely, to welcome that light into their lives. Amen.
Forward notes: “Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life’” (verse 12).
“I love thinking of Jesus as the light of the world. One of my favourite hymns is, “I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light.” But to think that I am called to walk in light, not darkness, means I have some responsibility to stay on the lighted path.
“Praying daily, finding some time to meditate, reading scripture regularly, attending worship, and partaking in eucharist keeps the light of Christ bright. When the path seems dark, I know I need to search for the source of light in the company of others.
“When others share that their path is darkened, I usually suggest spending time with a trusted friend or even a therapist. These people can hold the light for us when we can’t see the way.
“Jesus is the light of the world, but we have to plug ourselves into the power source if we want to shine with his glory.”
MOVING FORWARD: “What connects you to the light of Christ?”