I’m sure you would agree, there have been many moments this year where it felt like our world was darker than ever. You don’t have to look very long in the news or social media to be bombarded with examples of evil, conflict, suffering, and division. And we experience it firsthand too, in personal struggles and strained relationships. The darkness of this world can be overwhelming and downright scary sometimes.

But the world felt the same way to the first-century shepherds in Judea. These men were usually societal outcasts who lived very difficult lives. They were under the constant threat of danger from predatory animals, bandits, and bad weather. And since they also had to stay awake at night, they knew all about darkness – in all its forms.

Then one night, a group of them got the shock of a lifetime! When the black sky suddenly burst open with heavenly light and the angels filled the sky to announce the arrival of the Messiah, the shepherds knew everything had just changed forever. This light shining before their eyes, that burst through the dark night, also signalled that Jesus – the true light and Saviour of the world – had arrived!

The shepherds instantly recognized the significance of that incredible news, not only for themselves, but for the whole world. So they went right away to go find Jesus. And as soon as they found him, they couldn’t keep the news to themselves. Incredibly, these outcasts, who once kept to themselves and were considered to be unclean and uneducated, were now the ones going throughout the community, telling everyone about Jesus! And the people didn’t ignore the shepherds either – they actually listened and were amazed at what they heard.

The burst of light that night and the resulting transformation of the lives of the shepherds is such a beautiful picture of what Jesus continues to do in our world today. Jesus, the light of the world, comes bursting into our lives and illuminates even the darkest corners. This Christmas we can cling to the truth that the darkness of the world – every evil, sinful, scary part – will never be able to overpower His light. No matter how dark things may appear, the battle of good versus evil has already been won through Christ. And as His children, we get to carry His light within us everywhere we go.