The gospel for this Sunday takes a few lines from the beginning of John’s Gospel, a few lines from the wonderful prologue that we hear at Christmas. The words for this week describe John the Baptist as the “witness to the light”. The growing number of candles in our Advent Wreath bring an ever-strengthening light as we draw closer to the mystery of Christmas, even as the daylight shortens towards the solstice. As we count down with our candles, it is good to remember that around the world the Jewish community is also celebrating the faithfulness of God by counting lights through their festival.

The candlelight and its modern counterpart in Christmas lights, the light of a fire: at this time of year all these lights can evoke something deep in us that is joyful and resilient even at the end of a difficult year, and as things get chilly and dimpsy. This Sunday is traditionally called “Gaudete” Sunday (Rejoicing Sunday), a day for finding joy in God’s faithful promise to come to us and save his people. I hope that the lights around us at this time will be little signs of hope, that kindle in our hearts the light, life and love which is a cause for rejoicing.

Tomorrow (Sunday 13th) I am going to send out details of where and when services and gatherings will take place to celebrate Christmas across our Mission Community.

God bless Samantha