Christmas Sparks Day 13 Christmas Makes Nights Beautiful
Most of us would’ve probably been terrified of nights in our childhood. All that signalled night in our memories were frightening. Shadows grazing in the darkness, the silence, the howling of owls, images of the thief sneaking in the night, and all those ghost stories grownups tell to instill fear.
Yet in our memories there is one night that glitters free from fear, like a star of joy, a song of peace. With the sweetness of carols, bright stars and colourful lanterns hanging high, a night that is bathed in a gentle glow that falls softly upon the soul. In hymns all over the world, this night is known as ‘Silent Night’ — Christmas.
Christmas is the night that takes away night terrors of children (‘grown-up’ children too). Unlike many others, Christmas’ celebrations begin at night. The midnight hoots of the owls suddenly turn into carols. The terrifying silence of the night where even the movement of a leaf can frighten, turns holy; where lights remain even after midnight. And those who usually grumble at losing their sleep, joyfully stay awake till dawn.
Nights are when each person turns toward themselves, when they open their eyes to their own helplessness and realise they are in darkness. However, the star in the sky twinkles towards the sorrows of the lonely. In the humble stables of those who sit alone dwelling upon their own weaknesses, a light is born, extending the hand of togetherness and friendship.
For those wise men who renounced their extinguishable lights to follow the star’s light in the sky, the night was Christmas. They had to discard all their lamps in order to see this light. It is in those moments when the light of wisdom shines upon the realisation that there is no other refuge but heaven, that we see light incarnate.
Christmas is the most beautiful night in the world. The eternal night that takes away the dark terrors of the soul. The enchanting night where angelic music and shepherds’ songs resonate, and hope blooms…
Happy Christmas!
Abhilash Fraser
