“Grandpa, why do leaves go from green to brown?’” A question posed by my five year old granddaughter. I don’t have a readily accessible answer, because as adults we just accept that they do, and any facts gained from lessons at school are now quite a long time ago, so I just say, “Well sweetheart as the days get shorter there is not as much light so the leaves turn from green to brown and the trees go to sleep”.Autumn is one of my favourite seasons. The myriad of yellows, reds and siennas demonstrating the diversity of God’s creation. It’s a wonderful time to focus on God’s wonderful blessings—family, friends, strength, shelter, provision, guidance, care, fruitful ministry, opportunities to serve, more time to pray and study His Word, and eternal life still to come.How can it be that all this beauty is a sign of death and decay? With all this beauty there is a certain sadness in knowing that the changing colours also foreshadow the arrival of a long cold winter.Bob Marley sang, ‘So much trouble in the world,’ and at the moment when we look around us at the world, we find much that is amiss; there is much trouble; much darkness like the deadness of winter. The COVID-19 pandemic has changed everything – socially, economically, politically. Many of those changes are obvious, but some are hidden in private and behind closed doors. COVID-19 effected many, both directly and indirectly and for some recovery has been elusive, they have never been the same since.Charles Spurgeon once wrote about depression and discouragement. He said this: “The strong are not always vigorous, the wise not always ready, the brave not always courageous, and the joyous not always happy.”If that is where you find yourself–in a place where things seem dark and hopeless, then maybe you can take comfort in some of the psalms. They tell us that those who seek to trust God are not protected from grief, pain and darkness. We are not sheltered from ‘the darkest valley’; we are, however, assured of the presence of God with us in the midst of such experiences (Psalm 23:4). No matter where we are, no matter what life feels like, we cannot escape the presence of God: ‘Where can I flee from your presence?’ (Psalm 139:7); ‘The darkness is not dark to you; the night is as bright as the day’ (Psalm 139:12). While we seek the security of the light, where we can see what is going on in our lives and make some kind of sense of it, God calls us to trust him in the darkness.The words of Minnie Haskins, quoted by King George VI in his Christmas day broadcast in 1939, reflects the same theme. I said to the man who stood at the Gate of the Year, ‘Give me a light that I might tread safely into the unknown.’ And he replied, ‘Go out into the darkness and put your hand into the hand of God. That shall be to you better than light and safer than a known way.’God, who is light, allows us to experience darkness, just as he in Christ, has done. From winter’s adversity, the darkness and deadness give way to the light and warmth of spring. Each year, I marvel at the buds and green shoots of new life. The sprouts coming out of the ground that soon turn into beautiful crocuses, daffodils and tulips. Bright colours after a season of drabness. Spring is a time of hope and new life. No matter how harsh the winter is, eventually it will be spring; we can count on it because God promised it in the Bible: “ As long as the earth remains, there will be planting and harvest, cold and heat; winter and summer, day and night.” (Genesis 8:22) So, winter eventually gives way to spring, that gains its strength in the new light. Jesus said; ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.’ (John 8:12)Winter can give way to spring in our hearts! No matter how hard the winter, or how much darkness and ugliness we experience in our lives, The light of Jesus can bring new life in our souls.As winter approaches be at peace, trust God to lead you, and eagerly watch for new life springing up all around you in the weeks to come, take some time to reflect on the ‘new life’ that Jesus wants to bring you. He can replace the deadness of winter with the new life of spring.Love & Blessings Rev NickLight of Christ A prayer by David AdamLight of Christ, Light a fire of love in my heart,Love to my family and my friends,Love to my neighbour and the stranger,Love to my community and all humanity,Love for all creation and to each creature.Let that love burn and never be extinguished, let it flame out and bring warmth to others.Light and love of Christ, You brighten our dark days,You warm our cold hearts, You burn away all hatred,You enlighten and protect us.Light of Christ, Light a fire of love in my heart.
Over the course of summer 2024 we will be replacing the Chancel roof and repairing the Chancel floor at St Mary's church in Riccall, as part of our scheduled maintenance programme designed to care for this ancient building as a place of worship and secure its future for generations to come.The Chancel is at the Eastern end of our church building, the section with a pitched slate roof, housing the altar, sanctuary and choir areas.The church will be open and operating as usual, but you may notice scaffolding around the Chancel during this time.We give thanks to the Church Commissioners for their investment and support to make this happen.
