What are the most distinctive elements we use to decorate for Christmas? Evergreens and lights — they are everywhere.
There’s a reason for that.
On a very basic level, it’s attractive to remember that something remains green and alive during winter when it’s dark and everything is asleep under the snow. That’s a great image for faith — it’s one thing that has the capacity to live within us even when everything else has gone cold.
And for those of us in the northern hemisphere, this is the darkest time of the year. We hunger for sunlight — for any kind of light, really. What we observe in the seasons outside reminds us of a hunger we have inside of us, too. We long for clarity and purpose.
The Bible tells us that “people walking in darkness have seen a great light.” Faith in a God who promises light and life doesn’t mean that we can expect our lives to be magically transformed overnight. It just means that we see the darkness for what it is and reach for more.
With today’s feast, Grotto is celebrating the fulfillment of that promise, and we invite you to join us: Merry Christmas!
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