The Light Has Come
Christmas Eve Reflection, 2025
The Light Has Come.
Reverend Fred Okello
Jesus was born in a regular town, among regular people, at night, not in a palace or a place of power. The good news was first heard by shepherds who were working, watching, and wondering. The angel said to them in their darkness, "Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people."
The Apostle Paul sums up the meaning of this holy night when he says in Titus 2:11-14,
"For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all."
Grace has come to us, not as an idea or a philosophy, but as a person. The grace of God is seen in Jesus Christ, who was born in Bethlehem.
Paul also tells us that grace not only saves us, but it also changes us. This grace shows us how to live right now, in this age, by teaching us to be self-controlled, honest, and godly. So, Christmas isn't just about what God has done for us; it's also about what God is doing in us.
What the Lord is doing in us is something to keep in mind on a night like this. Christmas can easily evoke a sense of sentimentality with its beautiful stories, music, and memories. And that's all good. The Gospel, on the other hand, says that the manger points to the cross and that the light of this night points to a changed life.
We will light our candles in a few minutes. The flame will move from one person to another, reminding us that we should not keep the light of Christ to ourselves. One candle doesn't give off all the light, but when they're all together, the room is bright. That is how grace works!
Grace meets us where we are—as humans, we are always tired, unsure, sad, or hopeful—but then grace pushes us to move forward. Grace tells us that we belong to Christ, that we have been saved, and that we are becoming a people who shine His light in a dark world.
As we get ready to receive the light, remember this: The same Christ who was born in Bethlehem will walk with us into tomorrow. The same grace that showed up on that holy night still teaches, heals, and changes lives.
May the light we are about to receive remind us that Christ was born for us, is with us, and is working in us through his grace. Now, let us receive the light of Christ.