In early December Nicola (my wife) and I put up the Christmas trees in the Church and the hall, ready for them to be decorated. Nicola couldn’t help putting on the balcony Christmas lights once again, before we left, just to look. There is something about lights like these that remind us of what time of year it is and what we celebrate. Why? Well perhaps because Jesus described himself as “the light of the world” and also used a parable to explain that we, his Church, are to be lights, which are not hidden but shine for all to see.

When the times are difficult and things seem dark and hard, the light of the church, in my understanding, should shine even more. Christmas is a time to remember the hope that God has given through Jesus, the joy that comes from knowing him, being a part of the light that shines and cannot be extinguished and the peace that comes from knowing that this life is a part of life and not the end.

I love the lights that we use to celebrate Christmas, I love the candles and the Christmas trees, even if they are part of recent tradition. 

I like walking the streets at this time of year, seeing more and more houses being lit up with a huge variety of lights and tableaux's. And then there are our high street lights which we help the local traders group raise money for each year. We almost didn't have any this year as we could not do any charity events. But people wanted the lights up, I think because it brings us a sense of joy and celebration to see them. Local businesses and individuals all gave towards this and we we able to put them up again.  I think all of these speak of a deep seated desire in folks to celebrate and they spark me into prayer and rejoicing as I walk

Various people from the church added to our decorations to prepare the church for the season. Today (11th Dec), we had our first Christmas service, for our toddler group, a Christingle, look it up if you have not heard of it 😊its simple but a great way to tell the story of Jesus to children. 

Our church celebrations this year will be different as we follow the many guidelines, but we can still rejoice and celebrate all that God has done through the first Christmas and the coming of Jesus. We can shine to our friends, colleagues, and neighbours, so let’s be those lights in the best way that we can, drawing others to the light of world at a time when the world needs light and not darkness.