Her bright eyes blink sleepily, her gaze unwavering from the gently swooping Christmas garland strung with warm, glowing lights. Only these twinkling strands light the small room. Everyone else is sleeping while my newborn daughter and I snuggle on the couch. I breathe in her sweet baby smell and savor these precious cuddles as I croon my favorite Christmas hymn, “The First Noel.” I give her an extra squeeze as I reach the line “and to the earth, it gave great light,” whispering to her, “That’s my prayer for you: that you will always shine Christ’s light. You’re my little Christmas light, Lucy Noel.”
The mystery and wonder of the light of Christmas has always fascinated me. How did the shepherds feel when a host of angels appeared to share the news of Christ’s birth? In a world where oil lamps and bonfires were bright, what did a heavenly host look like to these humble shepherds? Did they shield their eyes? Were they transfixed and unable to look away? What led them to listen to the call of the light and visit Christ’s Nativity?
Following a new light, a shining star in the heavens, the Magi were led to Christ too. Did they worry the star would disappear? Were their friends and family confused by this quest? Were they surprised to find the Christ child at the end of their journey?
My questions around the glorious light of Christmas could continue for pages, but the steady gaze of my tiny daughter that Christmas Eve soothed a restlessness in me. Fix your eyes on the light, she gently taught me. Do not be afraid or lose faith; simply follow the glow of that which beckons us near. The shepherds and Magi knew this truth: Light guides us home, to our Savior. Light from Light, true God from true God.
Amidst the hustle and bustle of all that this time of year holds, the warm glow of candles and Christmas lights serve as a reminder of the hope, peace, joy and love we usher into our hearts this season. May we too fix our gaze on that light of Christ, trusting its shine to bring us home.
