Today, between the Lord’s Epiphany (= manifestation) and his Baptism (a second "epiphany"), we contemplate the theme of "light", something that impregnates the whole Christmas Cycle. The idea —taken from Isaiah— that from "upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom a light has shone", was already present in the liturgy of the Holy Night.

"Light" means above all knowledge, truth, contrasting with the darkness of falsehood and ignorance. And thus light teaches us how to live, it shows us the way. Furthermore light, while giving warmth, also means love. Where there is love, a light appears in the world; where there is hate, the world remains in the darkness. In the crib of Bethlehem the great light that the world is expecting undoubtedly rises.

—The light of Bethlehem never went out. Wherever faith in that Child is born, charity also flourished. A trail of light, love and truth coming from Bethlehem permeates the centuries.