Lights of December
Aniko Ujvari
When I hear the word “December” two colors appear in my mind, black and white. Maybe it is because back in my childhood at this time of year we drew snowmen and houses with white chalk on black paper. Somehow everything has a different color. In the daily grayness, in the early afternoon darkness the smallest light gets deeper meaning. For example, in winter when the weather is clear we can see the nights sky’s stars clearly. We need this kind of small light – it cheers us up. Lights everywhere in our homes, at the offices, on the streets, in shop windows, markets, Christmas fairs, parties, even at the corner’s run down pub. Lights also in the churches, quietly, modestly.
Light and darkness. The same in spirit. We read in the Bible of the acts of darkness. We read about the thief who comes through the night, not to be visible in the daylight. But the man is very smart. The artificial light helps us to see things differently. Acts, thoughts, habits being sinful for ages, once from one day to the other now have new lights. And in these lights their darkness turns to light. Even some of those already turned to be in fashion. And the sharp lights make us blind. So the question changes. What is the real meaning of the light?
Once upon a time, two thousand years back in history pastors in the fields of Bethlehem paid attention to a special light, which was strengthened by the words of the angel. The light of this star had a special meaning. People, nations, the earth all covered with darkness. But God was watching mankind and sent the One Who could restore harmony. Just behold the baby there, in Bethlehem, at the stable. He, Himself is the Light of the Earth. He gives light in your hand not to lose the way. He is not a harsh light, but just enough to go ahead with steady steps toward the destination. He is Himself the Way, the Truth and the Life. Take care of the clear light. Don’t be cheated with the false lights. As the pastors and the wise men didn’t lose the right star, but followed it while they found the Saviour of the World. The light in Him warms up our hearts through the cold winter nights, gives hope through the hardships, and helps us see clearly the moral values, even if they are not popular in the harsh artificial lights. But His light, His truth offers life, and daily nourishment.
I wish you, my Sisters, that the light found in the Lord Jesus Christ strengthen the Godly truth in your hearts, as Psalm 119:105 tells, "Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path."
Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year.
Aniko Ujvari, EBWU President
December 2015