Changs at the threshold of our homes. Strings of twinkling lights line our streets and decorate our trees. It’s a great time when the world can clearly see there’s something wonderful happening. It is, in fact, by night that the splendour of these lights are revealed. It is in the darkest hours that the glory of God is manifested. We recall how the shepherds in the night watch are overwhelmed when the brilliant “glory of the Lord shone around them” (Lk 2:9). As Isaiah’s prophecy of the Messiah’s birth describes, “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness -on them light has shined” (Is 9:2).
Every light is a reminder that there will be a day when there shall be no more darkness or night, weeping or death. “Your sun shall no more go down, nor your moon withdraw itself, for the Lord will be your everlasting light, and your days of mourning shall be ended” (Is 60:19,20). It is this hope that is to guide us through the night of adversity, suffering and struggles. Jesus has assured us, “In the world you have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (Jn 16:33).
When we face trials and temptations, we could slip into despair. The psalmist was tired in this struggle, “How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long must I bear pain in my soul, and have sorrow in my heart all the day? How long shall my enemy be
exalted over me?” (Ps 13:1,2). Yet in prayer he is led to a place of confidence: “I have trusted in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation. I will sing to the Lord, because He has dealt bountifully with me (vv. 5,6).
No matter how complete and threatening the darkness of night may seem, the gospel assures us that “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (Jn 1:5). Christmas is a celebration precisely because it is the proof that God will breakthrough every barrier to reach us and rescue us. Perhaps we could be so unsure how long we can endure our trials. God pronounces that He is the warrior God who fights our battles, and hands us victory. “Do not fear! See the victory the Lordwill win for you today… The Lord will fight for you” (Ex 14:13,14). The very realization that He is “Emmanuel – God with us” will deliver us from every anxiety. When anxiety takes flight, celebrations begin. Most recently Pope Leo XIV canonized 7 new saints. One of them has a stunning conversion experience – St Bartolo Longo who was once a Satanist priest. Born into a devout Catholic family, when heentered the University of Naples law school, he lost his way. Many of his professors were ex-priests denouncing the Pope and the Church. He writes, “I, too, grew to hate monks, priests and the Pope.” He was introduced to occult and frequented mediums. His wandering led him into outright Satanism, where after a period of intense study, he was consecrated a satanic priest and promised his