‘By the tender mercy of our God, the dawn from on high will break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet in the way of peace.’ (Luke.1.78-79)

God of promises,
Sometimes we wait generations
For the dawn from on high;
Sometimes only years.
We wait for justice and hope and light and kindness
To mingle in the tangle of our days.
And we age while we hope.
So may we age and hope
with tenderness and truth.
Because you are tender and true
even though we sometimes wander.
(Padraig O Tuama)

The church seasons we are going through from the end of November to the beginning of February are all about light in the darkness

Advent – a time of waiting and anticipation.
Christmas – a time of joy and celebration.
Epiphany – a time of affirmation and prophesy.
Candlemas – a time of blessing and hope.

The light and the darkness and all the shades in between are part of everyday living, and it is my hope for you as we journey towards the manger and beyond, that wherever you are between dark and light, together we can find time for joy and sorrow for silliness and solace in our worship and in all that we share so that when we meet in the midst of all that the world throws at us we can find nourishment and sustenance for the journey.