Christmas Day 2024: A Message of Light and Hope

On this most holy day, we come together to celebrate the birth of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ—the true Light that shines in the darkness. As we gather this Christmas Day, we are reminded that the message of this season is not one of empty sentiment, but of a powerful truth: in the midst of all the struggles and darkness of our world, the light of Christ has come.

This year has brought many challenges. We continue to face the aftermath of a global pandemic, division in our communities, and the ongoing trials of a broken world. And yet, today, we rejoice in the hope that is born to us, for the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it (John 1:5).

The birth of Christ, so long ago, was not announced to kings or rulers, but to humble shepherds—people who lived on the margins, in the shadows of society. And yet, to them, the angels proclaimed, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill towards men." In the humble birth of a child, God revealed His love for all people, bringing light into a dark world.

As we reflect on this truth, we are reminded that darkness is not new. Throughout history, humanity has walked through times of suffering and hardship—wars, plagues, oppression, and loss. Yet, even in the darkest times, the light of Christ continues to shine. We need not look far to see that God’s love has never been extinguished.

The poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, writing during the height of the Civil War in 1864, knew this truth intimately. In his hymn, “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day,” he expressed the despair of a nation torn apart by violence and division. But even in his sorrow, he heard the bells proclaiming the hope of Christ’s birth:

“God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;
The wrong shall fail, the right prevail,
With peace on earth, good-will to men.”

This is the hope we carry today: that the wrong shall fail, the right prevail—because Christ is born. The darkness will not win, because God’s light is with us, today and always.

As we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, let us remember that His light is not distant or remote, but present in our lives, and in the lives of those who suffer. Christ is born to us—to you, to me, and to the world. And where Christ is, there is love, there is hope, there is peace.

So, on this Christmas Day, let us open our hearts to the light of Christ. Let us share that light with those around us, especially those who walk in darkness. Whether gathered in joy with loved ones or separated by distance, Christ is with us. His love is never far from us, and nothing in this world can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Merry Christmas, and may the peace of Christ fill your hearts today and always.

Amen.