We have finally passed the milestone- that day each year marked as the shortest daylight day. Each year, I find this an interesting phenomena. Most go about the day without noticing it or even realizing that the following day a few more minutes of daylight was added. It is not a stark change but rather a slow, gradual change. Sure, 3 months from now the difference will be clear, but not so today.
Perhaps that is why we place the birth of Jesus right at this same time of the year. Perhaps the birth of Jesus is this reminder that light is shining now more than ever before. In the darkest of nights, in the longest of days, that is exactly where God shows up.
And isn't it the way of God to gradually, but incrementally, change our world? Surely God could have taken some other approach to show our world the depth of his love for all, but instead it was a slow and steady spreading. It is much like yeast, a common element in baking that Jesus uses in one of his parables. In Matthew 13:33 Jesus compares God's kingdom to yeast... "He told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like yeast, which a woman took and hid in a bushel of wheat flour until the yeast had worked its way through all the dough.”
Just as each day adds a few minutes, each century has seen Christianity spread- the yeast of the Good News working. The yeast doesn't happen instantly but works its way through the dough. Perhaps this longest day of the year is also a great reminder that when night seems to be engulfing the light, God shows up and shines brighter. Yes, God isn't quite finished; instead, God is still working in this world until all have heard the most amazing news- "You are inherently loved by God and are lovable! Go, and love others in the same way!"
May we celebrate the coming of Emmanuel, God with us, in this season of Christmas!
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