And Then There Was Light, Again

John 1:1-14

I was in a conversation about the theologies (yes, plural) which helped to shape the Bible. The conversation soon centered around a Jewish belief I was told about in seminary that when the light which was created in Genesis 1 is the life force that runs through and connects all things. It is more than luminescence, it is the one thing which all of creation shares; the spirit of the one God which all of creation is a part of. This is why light is the very first thing we are told is created; nothing could have been created without God first giving it life.

I've been told that the Jewish people believe that somehow the light had become shattered and all living things became separated, but that within each living creature shines a sliver of that light. Thus it is the goal of Judaism to reconnect the light which shines within all of creation in the way which God intended the light to be connected - within, through, and a part of all of creation.

When I was enlightened (sorry) by this story I held an all too different view of the bible and how I would now approach its stories. For me, the understanding that we were created to be one people, unified by the life-force of God, pretty much formed my personal theology. It has become the words I talk about as often as I can and the way I choose to live my life. Christianity, to me, is to follow the teachings of Jesus and find a way, just as he tried, to bring people together through the unconditional love and acceptance of God's shining light.

So, on the day when Jesus was born, when God said to the world, "Here is the light which will shine forth in this time of darkness and oppression and find a way to bring all people together." I take to heart all which that involves. Not just the shepherds gathering or the angels singing or the shining star, but the sacrifices made by God, Mary, and Joseph. You see, God gave us God's only child in the hopes that humanity would see in him the shining life force meant for all, all, people. Mary's life was uprooted, as was Joseph's, in their decision to have this illegitimate child, and to raise him as their own, regardless of what others say or think about them, or do to them.

Christmas is that time when I not only completely accept the Christ-child into my life, but also a time when I move closer to being Christ-like in spreading the good news of a God who loves us all, and does so because of our diversities. God put God's son into the loving care of 2 people who weren't rich, or powerful, or important. Mary and Joseph did not have any plans to advance an agenda of any kind. They simply promised to take care of one another and the child which they were entrusted with as best as they could and to bring each other through any difficulties that would come their way.

Such is the promise we accept at Christmas time. To love one another by embracing our diversities, and to do the utmost best we can to take care of one another regardless of the situation or sacrifices we have to make for ourselves.