Darkness into Light

From Darkness into Light

Christmas Eve 2006 Homily

Rev. Kathleen Ellis

In the center of the Christmas story is a child whose sacred light is reflected in the faces of his mother and father. Their hearts swell in wonder at his sleeping form. “Every night a child is born is a holy night.” Under the right conditions, parents, families, friends, and strangers somehow place the hope of the world upon the life of a perfectly innocent, unblemished newborn.

You marvel at an infant’s tiny hand … and smile when he grips your finger. At that moment you know you will move heaven and earth to help him grow up to be strong and kind, wise and healthy. A star is born when our love and blessings concentrate on the sleeping infant and nurture his divine spark.

What is the source of this miracle of life? Upon such wondering religion comes to light. We add our own layers of scientific understanding, awe of creation, images of God. No matter how we explain that spark of life we are lifted out of our ordinary lives into the realm of the holy.

At your birth, you were a infant. Your divine light shone in the faces of all those who gathered around your crib, bassinet, drawer, box, or blanket—wherever you were placed for safety’s sake. You were the light of your world and the hope for all around you.

And why not a child? For as long as we live, the beauty and wonder of a child remains within us, constantly trying to keep us from becoming too jaded or cynical. When my parents and brother were going through a terribly difficult time, and the whole family was distressed, I traveled to my parents’ home to be with them in their hour of need. The atmosphere was somber and depressing—except—that I brought my young son, a 16-month old who still needed tending. He brought light into our darkness as we prepared meals—because he needed food; as we found entertaining things to do—because he wanted to play; and as we responded to his innocent prattle.

Many people are going through dark times in this month of seasonal gaiety. We extend our loving energy to Jim Terrell, Sali Kennedy, Mary Berry, Grace Dreyer, and all those who suffer for a variety of reasons, or from sorrow beyond words. We extend our love to those who can’t be with us tonight, including military personnel stationed far from home. I invite you now to call out names of people that you would like to bring into this circle of compassion. . . .

May they all receive childlike joy and peace in their hearts on this holy night.

For unto us Christians brought the light of the world in the form of a child who changed our idea about who God can be. As he grew, surely he, too, delighted in bright colors and lights, pretty sounds of lullabies and shouts of playful joy. The light of his life helps show us the way to more hope, love, joy, and peace within ourselves and to share with the world.

May we all, through the darkness, light a path of beauty and courage not just for Christmas but day by ordinary day.

Lighting the Christ Candle

And now on this holy night, we light the Christ Candle in thanksgiving--thanksgiving for the presence of the sacred in our world. Today we celebrate the sacred in the hopeful and joyous birth of a child; thanksgiving for the Holy Spirit of love and truth that comes to us in hidden and unexpected places; thanksgiving for the life and ministry of Jesus, who taught the way of life and love in common with all the great prophets, Buddhas, gurus, avatars, mahatmas, and mystics through all the ages; who showed the face of God among humanity; who calls awake even now the religious prophet in all men and women, who calls for the healing of all humanity, that in our day we might bring forth God's compassion for all the earth, that we ourselves may be born to new hope, and to the attainment of divine love. May we bring forth peace and justice throughout the land and in our own homes.

Blessings upon the divine child within each of us; peace and good will to all.

Blessed be, Shalom, Amen