At this time of the year one thing that is in short supply in natural light. The shortening days mean that we have to rely on artificial light for most of the time. Electric lighting is a wonderful invention but it does not replace glorious natural sunlight!

Christians often refer to Jesus as the ‘Light of the World’. Jesus, Himself, tells stories about light. He says we do not buy a light to hide it away; it has to be on the lamp stand in order to fill the whole house with light. He tells us to let our light shine in the darkness of the world.

So what kind of light is He talking about?

Being open and honest, being loving and joyful, being generous and kind, are all qualities that should mark out those who “walk in the light”.

We know that these qualities are found in every human heart – you only have to see the ways in which human beings respond to the needs of others in times of crisis, generously giving and not counting the cost to self. In this season of Advent the Church asks us to go overboard with our joy and generosity. In the four short weeks before the great feast of Light, Christmas, we are asked to take stock.

Where do our priorities lie? Is Christmas ALL about getting or is it ALL about giving?

By the time Christmas arrives the shortest day has passed and we are once again heading towards the Light. We should not settle for the artificial in this world; it is only a poor substitute for the real thing.

When we give let us do it freely and happily, let us look to improve the moment for the other person for we are told that “God loves a cheerful giver” and we should “look to the Light and be radiant”.