In the northern hemisphere, Christmas arrives in the depths of winter—when the days are short and the nights are long. If you’re like me, you often arise in darkness, go to work in darkness, and return home in darkness; there are times it feels as if you might never again see the sun.
Christmas reminds us that it is into profound darkness that the Light of the World has come, that just when it seems that this is the moment when there will be no dawn, a baby is born who changes everything.
Isn’t that the way it is with hope? It’s fragile and fleeting, something to be held gently, like a newborn child. Yet somehow, it has a way of piercing the darkness as nothing else can. It moves us to be open to God’s leading and to one another, trusting that there will be light even at the end of the longest night.
As the Christmas season continues through Epiphany, may the Light of Jesus Christ continue to guide you. May you discover it in small and simple things: the fellowship of family and friends, good food, a hug from a child.
Peace be unto you at this blessed time of year!
Robin J. Steinke, President
Luther Seminary