I don’t know if this is how it happens for any of you, but Christmas seems like it was a long time ago, even in the first days after having celebrated it. The gifts have been opened and are already starting to collect dust, the wrapping paper is on its way to the landfill, and the miraculous birth of our Savior seems a distant memory.

Epiphany is so often overlooked, but I think there are great theological implications for celebrating light during the time of year in which it is the most dark. As the wise men in Matthew’s Gospel followed the star to the Christ Child, so we continue following Christ’s light today. During this season, we celebrate the Baptism of Jesus, and remember our own baptisms: we are children of the light.

During a time in which the darkness seems to descend, both physically and often mentally, how strange (and what a gift) it is to be reminded that we are children of the light. As Matthew 5:14-16 states:

You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.

The light is not our own; it is the light of Christ. As small as our lights, flickering though they may be, they attest to the Light that does not flicker, the faith that does not fade. So often, our meager lights seem so dim and so inconsequential, so fragile. During a season in which depression among people in the northern states is particularly high, the lack of light can be difficult to see. We may only catch a glimmer every now and again.

Though only a glimmer, we do well to remember Luther’s words regarding Christ: “For in [the heart of the Christians] s/he has this seemingly small gift; yet the smallness of this gift and treasure, which s/he holds in faith, is greater than heaven and earth, because Christ, who is this gift, is greater,” (LW 26:134). Christ is the light of the world and his light scatters the darkness. However small our lights may seem, in Christ, they cause the darkness to flee.

As we enter the season of Epiphany, let us not forget that the light of Christ remains with us. During this season of winter, of Epiphany, I encourage you to light candles; in doing so, remember Christ’s light - the light given to us even in the midst of the darkness.

The darkness will never overcome it.