Scripture
In the beginning was the Word,
and the Word was with God,
and the Word was God…
What came to be through him was life,
and this life was the light of the human race;
the light shines in the darkness,
and the darkness has not overcome it. John 1: 1-5
Reflection
The light of Christ comes to us in the darkest time of winter and sometimes in the darkest parts of our lives. The hope of Christmas is that the light of Christ will always shine in the darkness.
The poet Dylan Thomas described Christmas Eve as the “close and holy darkness”. May the darkness of these days bring us closer to our loved ones. May we experience the light shining in the darkness and may it draw us deeper into the mystery of God and lead us to holiness.
Practice
In the midst of all the Christmas celebration, find a moment of quiet. Light a candle and simply and spontaneously pray in gratitude for the light of Christ in your life.
Sister Joan, O.P. came to Albertus in 2016 to serve as the interim Assistant to the President for Dominican Mission. She currently serves as the Director of Dominican Ministries. Sr. Joan received her master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Loyola University, Chicago and her doctoral degree in Pastoral Counseling from Northwestern University. She was on the faculty of Loyola University and the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. She served as prioress of the Dominican Sisters of St. Catherine, Kentucky and most recently on the leadership team of the Dominican Sisters of Peace. Sister Joan’s primary focus at Albertus Magnus is to promote the four pillars of prayer, study, community and service among the undergraduate students.