The story begins with a star shining into the darkness of the night sky. We aren’t told how many notice, but the story continues when a few perceive in that star a call to a journey. Even then, however, it would be no real story at all had they chosen to disregard the call. It is only when they pack their bags, gather their gifts and set off down the road that this tale begins to get interesting. But the truth is that we don’t get to hear the most interesting part, because all we have is the beginning. A baby is born, a trip is made, some gifts are given, and then they go home. If it simply ends there, then it still isn’t really much of a story. What we don’t know, and can only speculate about, is whether their lives are changed. Is anything really different when they get home, or does life continue on pretty much the way it always has ? A light shines into the darkness, but what happens next?

The prophet Isaiah speaks of such an experience and he is very clear about what needs to happen next. “Arise, shine, for your light has come...” (Isaiah 60:1) When the light comes, it is not enough simply to recognize it and acknowledge it. It is not even enough to follow it. Finally the only truly appropriate response is to get up and help others experience the light as well.

In the days now just past we have celebrated the coming of God’s light into the world. At Christmas, we pause to remember again the gift of the Christ child, come among us as one of us to reveal the light of God’s love for the world. We sing songs and light candles and give gifts. With awe and wonder we ponder again the amazing story of shepherds and angels and overcrowded inns. In fact, we make a great deal of fuss about the whole business. God’s light shines in our world and in our lives, and for at least a few moments we stop to notice.

But then life goes on, and it becomes so easy to lose track of what we have experienced. Like the magi, we return home, and we are faced with the question, “What happens next?” Will we allow God’s light to once again fade into the background of our living? Or will we be transformed into a reflecting beacon, shining that light into the darkness of our world? If we choose the former, then Christmas becomes little more than a momentary diversion -- an excuse to throw a party. But if we choose the latter, then Christmas is only the beginning of the story. It becomes the starting place for an adventure which will last for the rest of our days.

Isaiah writes, “For darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples...” (Isaiah 60:2) We know what that is like. It is easy to become overwhelmed by examples of the darkness that is currently covering our world -- from the threatening crises in Iraq and North Korea, to the ongoing tensions between Israel and the Palestinians, to the global devastation of AIDS, to the economic uncertainties both at home and abroad, to the personal trials which only seem small to those who aren’t experiencing them. Yes, the world is often a dark and dangerous place. That has been true in the past and it is certainly true now. We do not always have a choice about such things. But we do have a choice about how we respond to such experiences. Isaiah doesn’t stop with his declaration about the world being covered in darkness. He continues, “...the Lord will arise upon you, and his glory will appear over you.” (Isaiah 60:2) Darkness may be a reality, but it is never the final reality. In the words of the Gospel of John, “The light shines in the darkness and the darkness cannot overcome it.” (John 1:5)

So, in these days following Christmas, we are invited to “Arise and shine!” There is much work to be done and the God of light is on our side. Let us take courage and allow that light to shine in us and through us until finally no shadow remains. To the darkness of war and violence let us speak an illuminating word of peace. To the darkness of broken and shattered lives, let us reach out with the illuminating touch of healing compassion. To the darkness of bigotry and prejudice, let us offer the illuminating challenge of acceptance, tolerance and understanding. To the darkness of hatred, let us live lives of illuminating love. None of this will be easy. Much of it won’t even be safe. Darkness is a powerful force in our world. It will not retreat quietly and gently. But we have just come from Bethlehem, where we experienced Emmanuel -- God with us. The light of God is already shining in our world -- whether we participate or not. So take heart! We have good news to share. A new day is dawning and it is filled with the light of God!