I had set off to take the light of Bethlehem from a neighbouring town. It was a cold, wet, stormy, unfriendly day. When I arrived at the church, young people were distributing the light and I was able to receive it immediately in my storm lantern. My path led me through a brightly lit Christmas market with loud music. I walked silently to my car with the light and tried to protect it from the strong gusts of wind. When I took it to our church in the evening and stayed for a while, I was very moved. This flickering light in need of protection was suddenly like a symbol of the hidden God in me and in our midst. How quickly it is ‘blown up’ through carelessness, self-centredness and a lack of vigilance. ‘The kingdom of God is still being violated today!’ came to my mind. In silence, my heart prayed: ‘Jesus, let us be vigilant so that we do not disappoint and hinder your longing to be with us! Let me protect you so that you never die in me and among us.’
