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# The resplendent light of advent
- URL: https://joshualore.com/inthemiddleway/my-thoughts-have-been-devoted-a-lot-recently/
- Published: 2016-01-03T18:24:58.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-03T04:56:18.000Z
- Author: Joshua Lore
- Tags: Uncategorized, christ, Christmas, epiphany, Jesus, Saint Leo the Great, wise men, #Migrated-1788408094757, #wp, #wp-post, #Import 2026-09-03 00:01

My thoughts have been devoted a lot recently, through Advent and now especially during the Christmas season, on the “light”. Such a central theme in this time of worship and prayer. Reading Saint Leo the Great’s reflections on the image of the Star in today’s Office of Readings hit right on the mark. Here’s a snippet below:

> As Isaiah prophesied: *The people of the Gentiles, who sat in darkness, have seen a great light, and for those who dwelt in the region of the shadow of death a light has dawned…*  
>  
> This is the day that David prophesied in the psalms, when he said*: All the nations that you have brought into being will come and fall down in adoration of your presence, Lord, and glorify your name.* Again*, the Lord has made known his salvation; in the sight of the nations he has revealed his justice.*

And then he gets to something about how identity comes into this. The New Man does not shine forth himself, but to truly be servants:

> This came to be fulfilled, as we know, from the time when the star beckoned the three wise men out of their distant country and led them to recognize and adore the King of heaven and earth. **The obedience of the star calls us to imitate its humble service: to be servants, as best we can, of the grace that invites all men to find Christ.**  
>  
> Dear friends, you must have the same zeal to be of help to one another; then, in the kingdom of God, to which faith and good works are the way, you will shine as children of the light: through our Lord Jesus Christ.

![](https://64.media.tumblr.com/e02c9796207454a50a34f2d6f3fbff0d/tumblr_inline_o0e347ZEcK1r1j2it_540.jpg)