Minister’s Blog – November 2016

Many years ago, before I was a minister we were visiting a friend in London.  On Sunday morning we set off by car to his church. When we got there he was surprised by how easily we got parked.  As we entered the church we were initially a bit confused by the fact that there were only a couple of people in the building.  It then dawned on us…we had forgotten to change our clocks. We were able to go back to his house for a second breakfast before returning an hour later!!  We have recently gone through the much debated process of changing our clocks by one hour.  Apart from the possibility of turning up at the wrong time for something on the day they change, it also seems that when they change it gets much darker and the day time seem so much shorter.

At this time of year we are reminded about the darker side of life. Our children are encouraged to celebrate Hallowe’en as just a bit of fun, when we know it is raising awareness or even celebrating things that are evil. Remembrance Sunday makes us consider all the wars still taking place nowadays, as well as remembering the sacrifices made by all those years ago. As we watch TV, look at the newspapers or go online we are reminded of the darkness that is prevalent in the world caused by selfishness, greed, and a lack of compassion.

Light is the only way to truly deal with darkness.  Jesus is the light of the world.  This is the truth we celebrated at our recent party of light.  This is the truth that forms such an important part of the advent and Christmas season.  In the opening chapter of John’s gospel we find these words

“There was a man sent from God whose name was John.  He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light.

The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world.  He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognise him.  He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.”

God’s response to the darkness is to come to us in the person of Jesus – the light of the world.  Jesus said “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

The verse that will be read as we light our first advent candle is Romans 13v12 which says “The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armour of light.”

The light is coming. Jesus is coming. Let us be reassured that darkness will not last for ever! Whatever we are going through at the moment, or whatever is to come the darkness will pass. I pray this advent we will prepare ourselves for the Light that promises to shine in our lives.

Rev. Chris Hawley

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