The Minister Writes

John 8: 12 says, “When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.’”

As this Christmas approaches, many people are rejoicing in the fact that after the last couple of years of restrictions, we can really celebrate this year again. Others however, are anxious or worried about the coming months as there are still many difficulties and problems to face. These words of Jesus remind us of the hope that we can all have in Christ. As we prepare to celebrate the light of Christ which came into the world in that stable in Bethlehem over 2000 years ago, we need to remind ourselves that we are not celebrating a historical event that was over and done with then; but that we can continue to celebrate the light that remains with us for all time. The birth of baby Jesus was only the beginning and no matter how dark or challenging our present situation might seem, we have been promised that if we follow our Lord we will not walk in darkness, but his light is with us always.

Sometimes it might feel like that light has grown dim, that it has become totally obscured by our own fears and anxiety. But the light has never gone away; we just have to step back into it to rediscover the hope which once burnt so brightly in our own hearts. Paul wrote in his letter to the Romans;
“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written:
‘For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.’
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
(Romans 8: 35-39)

Whatever happens in the coming year, let us rejoice this Christmas as we remember that nothing can separate us from the Love of God and he sent his only Son to bring the great light of hope into the world.

Wishing you all a peaceful Christmas, and a very happy New Year!

Rev Dr. Sara Rettie