As we focus on and celebrate the birth of Christ this week, the holy site in Bethlehem’s Church of the Nativity that marks the traditional place of that birth easily comes to mind. Sources as early as the second century make mention of a cave in Bethlehem that remained identifiable as the place where Mary delivered the baby Jesus. That tradition was maintained and was the location shown to Emperor Constantine’s mother Helena in the early fourth century when she traveled through the Holy Land looking for significant sites in the life of Jesus. She built a church over that cave, and it was dedicated on May 31, 339.
A fourteen-point silver star on the marble floor of the cave marks a specific spot associated with the tradition. Fifteen lamps hang over the star, and they are kept burning at all times. The star and the lamps are fitting emblems of what they point to, and they always remind me of the words in John’s gospel, “In him was life, and that life was the light of all humankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (John 1:4-5).
Seven hundred years before Jesus’ birth, God promised a light to the world through Isaiah the prophet: “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned . . . for to us a child is born, to us a son is given” (9:2, 6). There is no doubt that the light has come, it shines in the darkness that we cannot merely wish away, and it will never be overcome by that darkness. Jesus himself said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12).
This Christmas, let your heart wander to Bethlehem and find the light that never goes out. In a cave halfway around the world, God kept a promise. That kept promise comes with an invitation, a choice. Follow the Christ, the Son of the Living God, and “never walk in darkness.” The darkness only seems powerful. Jesus, the light of the world, is powerful. He is “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). Let us stand together in this magnificent light, watch the shadows disappear, and live.
