Shine a light during the darkest of winter days
In what has been a turbulent and unsettling year for many, I find myself casting about for signs of hope. In what is supposed to be the ‘most magical time of the year’, the suffering faced by many is so great, both here and overseas, that it sometimes feels overwhelming. One cannot deny the darkness of winter. “I lift my eyes to the hills – from where will my help come?” cries King David in the Psalms.
And I wonder if that’s the challenge for us all this winter – to lift up our heads, to open our eyes and search for signs of hope on our own doorsteps.
If we do, I am confident that we will discover that there is, indeed, much to celebrate, much to give comfort and hope.
Like the growing relationship between churches and the arts community, the warm welcome offered to new residents at Howe Barracks in Canterbury, or the opening of winter shelters to offer refuge for the homeless across our county.
Each such story gives me hope. Each such story is a small act of defiance, a refusal to let the darkness win – for we serve a defiant God.
We serve the God who refuses to let sin and suffering and failure have the final say.
A God who seeks us out even though we turn away from him. A God who loves us, even though he truly knows us. This is the God and the hope we celebrate in the midst of winter darkness.
So though we cannot deny the darkness of winter, we can choose to live in spite of it.
We can light lights, set a fire in the grating, welcome people in with steaming cups of tea and a warm smile.
Let each simple, defiant act hail the coming King, the one who is the Light of the World.
And may the love and peace of Christ be with each of you and those you love this Christmas.