This Christmas Season, Let Your Light Shine for Others

By Pastor Will Ogle, MHS Director of Religious Programs 

When we think about Christmas, we think about a lot of things. When I think about Christmas, I think about lights.  

The Christmas story is about light coming into the darkness, God entering our time and space, and humbly giving up His place in heaven to come to Earth. God experienced the brokenness of humanity. He walked around and endured the things we go through that mess with us or shake us up.  

He suffered to show that he understands us and can relate to us. In the midst of all those hardships, God’s light continued to shine even brighter.  

We all go through circumstances where we feel pain and loss. For some of you, maybe it’s sadness because a relationship ended that you thought would endure. Maybe it’s feelings of sadness because you lost somebody close to you. Maybe there are feelings of anxiety because of the stress and the pressure that you’re under. It can make it hard to see the light when those things are happening. 

The story of Jesus Christ’s birth is about faith triumphing over feelings. In those moments, when my light doesn’t feel so bright, I choose to look to the light that came into the world. Jesus said to his followers, “I’m the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness.”  

 And then later on, he said to his followers, “You are the light of the world. Let your light shine so that others can see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”  

Even in those moments when I feel like the darkness is overcoming me, if I look around, I can see the light of other people. We have the opportunity to be a shining light for one another.  

Whatever you’re going through, remember light came into darkness at Christmastime. May light shine brightly in each of our lives.  

One of my favorite quotes I’ve ever read states, “Why blame the dark for being dark? It’s a far better question to ask why the light is not as bright as it should be.”  

Let your light shine brightly this Christmas season and always.  

Adapted from a message Pastor Ogle delivered to MHS students during the All School Christmas Chapel Service. 

Milton Hershey School is committed to fostering each student’s spiritual and moral growth. Since our founding in 1909, religious programs have been an integral and required part of the MHS experience. Rooted in the Judeo-Christian faith, these programs reflect the values and heritage of our founders, Milton and Catherine Hershey.