Light in Darkness by Msgr. PhDr. Ortwin Gebauer

The Christmas season makes us focus on the heartening good news of the angel: ”Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.  For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord”. (Lk 10,11)

Filled with the steadfast faith of our Church bearing this good news of joy throughout times, I write you these lines. God turned human seeks community with his people. He does not leave them behind alone in darkness, need and sorrow and does not keep out of the history of the world, neither your nor my story of life.

There might be some who quarrel with their fate who, in hindsight, think: life has not kept what it once promised. They must have had bitter experiences not having attained what they had planned or are not on speaking terms with God or their neighbour living next door.

There are many things in our life we could not cope with. We humbly should admit this and not shy away from the truth – especially these days. For Christmas wants to remind us that despite all this we are not alone.

If we think that our fate is especially severe and nobody understands us and when sometimes we are a puzzle to ourselves and even frightened of ourselves: the child from Bethlehem does not let us down, but loves us, seeks us and wants to be close to us. Christ shows us the way which gives meaning to each station in life but also to the years of old age when loss of strength increases and the pinnacle of life has long gone by.  

Christmas is like a “keyhole through which light shines from our eternal home to our dark path on earth”.  (F.v.Bodelschwingh)

The Son of God descended into our night so that we can reach his bright light. This brings great joy!

No matter where we celebrate Christmas: with family or alone, on duty or on holiday, in days of happiness or melancholy memories.

There is a personal message for everybody:” Today unto you is born your Saviour!”

In this spirit I wish you, your family, dependents and friends, and all who are close to your heart, the grace, peace and joy of Christmas with God’s rich blessing for the New Year.

Translated from the German by York R. Buttler, Honorary Commander of the CBdSE Office

                                                                                                                             Rhineland

December 2021