As we approach the tail end of the year 2008, we notice that the days grow shorter and the readings keep reminding us of the light which is coming, the light of the world, which is Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour. When Paul affirms that his Philippian Christians shine "like bright stars", his words remind us of Jesus' injunction: "let your light shine in the sight of men so that, seeing your good works, they may give praise to your Father in heaven." (Mt 5:16). St Paul indirectly indicates how we do that by adding the words "while holding fast to the word of life". It is Jesus who enables us to be instruments of God's light in the world, because he is the word of life made flesh.

We are preparing for the birth of Jesus, the Word of God made flesh. We are preparing for the Light of the world to come and remove the darkness of sin. The Word enlightens our minds with the revelation of the truth and lightens our heart with the joy of knowing that the truth sets us free so that, through the birth of Jesus, we are born again as true children of the Father.