Tomorrow's Gospel is generally acclaimed as one of the world's great pieces of writing. In the Prologue of Saint John's Gospel we read about the Word being the true light that enlightens all mankind. It is a "light that shines in the dark, a light that darkness could not overpower." (John 1: 5) St John tells us that this Word, which was the true light was coming in to the world, which had its being through him.
Remarkable words.
Some weeks ago Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield was in Ireland. His daughter is currently completing a doctoral study at Trinity College and Chris was visiting her in Dublin. While he was here he appeared on a number of radio and television shows. On occasions when in the space station orbiting the earth, he tweeted in Irish, which naturally endeared him to the people in this part of the world. His tweets on St Patrick's Day were especially appreciated.
Chris spoke about seeing the world from a new angle and also described the experience of looking into the great darkness beyond. His account of his experience made for compelling radio.
To try to say anything about the universe, its age, its vastness makes us realise our insignificance in a world that is awe-inspiring. So then how can we say a word about God? It can indeed be dangerous territory and lead us into ridiculous caricatures.
As Christians we believe that God becomes man. We take seriously the words of St John that "The Word was made flesh, he lived among us and we saw his glory, the glory that is his as the only Son of the Father, full of grace and truth."
On Monday the Christian churches celebrate the feast of the Epiphany - the manifestation of God in the world. Monday's feast is a reminder to all of us to play our part in helping make God present and real in our world. But it is also an occasion to celebrate the presence of God in the world.
It can be easy to condemn the world and only see all the places and times where God is not present. But if we take the Incarnation and the Epiphany to heart then we have no alternative but to see God in the world about us. God and the work of God are present all around us. That's what we have been celebrating these last days. One might ask have we any business celebrating these feasts if we are not willing to see God's work in our world?
But it's not a matter of sitting back and letting the word of God unfold in some sort of passive way. We have a great part to play in making our world a godlier place. Every time we behave in a good and honourable way we are playing our part in making God manifest in the world.
The feasts of Christmas and Epiphany are traditionally linked to the stars in the sky. Stars generate light. They are associated with brightness. Tradition tells us that the three wise men were guided by a star to find the place where Jesus was born.
Listening to Chris Hadfield talking about space and the universe one is forced to stand back in awe, with some tiny realisation of the extraordinary vastness of it all. And yet, we can - albeit stumblingly and falteringly - talk about the light of God. It is something we have been doing for generations. But that light, the light of God is a transparent light where all God's works and actions take place and are made manifest in light and openness.
Unfortunately often we do too much under the shadow of darkness and behind closed doors. The birth of Christ and then making that reality present in the world is a task that goes on from generation to generation. For it to have real meaning it has to be done in a sense of openness to all, where everyone can begin to share in the glory of the presence of God in the lives we live. Surely God invites all humankind to share in the celebration of God's goodness.
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