I’ve always loved the beginning words from the first reading of the Midnight Mass, The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. But this year they have acquired a new meaning. I have come to understand that for those who are in darkness, a small gentle light is a great light. In fact, a great big light would blind us. This is why Jesus came as a gentle, humble, and loving light, ready to warm our hearts without overwhelming us. As St Bernard wrote, He wanted to be our brother before becoming our Savior, one with us even in the humble fragility of our flesh! I need to remember to look for his gentle light ever present, even during the darkest hours, because his light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it (Jn. 1:5). In its apparent weakness and vulnerability, his light will never die out, because it’s fed by the love of the Father and the Holy Spirit. Christ, our sweet hope, let your light shine on us, reenkindle your light and life within us so th