LET LIGHT SHINE
30th Nov 2018
Isaiah 9:2 says, “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.” For so many of us entering this Advent period, there is great joy at celebrating the birth of Jesus and all that surrounds the Christmas Story.
Apart from our joy at looking forward to time with family and friends, our Church celebrations of the Coming of Jesus into the world, and drawing together folk who don’t normally worship with us. We may also think of our own meeting with God and the moment when Jesus became the transforming light in our lives. John 1: 4 says, “The light still shines in the darkness and the darkness has never put it out.”
However, I was at a prayer gathering early this morning when another side of Christmas was revealed. We have folk in our church who are very involved in the Food Bank and Christians Against Poverty, and here we find a different situation. Stories were shared of those going through real pain, when broken family life becomes a very sad memory, abusive childhoods add to the trauma, and the loss of loved ones becomes particularly painful. There are those who will only have food on their Christmas table because of the Food Bank.
Jesus said, “You are the light of the world…..let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and price your Father in heaven.” I believe there is a great opportunity and a real challenge for each of us to seek out the sad and lonely and to let our light shine, through acts of kindness, giving time to visit, and sharing the reality of our faith and how God is the great healer, comforter and restorer.
The light that we shine is of the quality that can never be extinguished!
by Charles Sibthorpe
