A Light that Shines Bright

Over this last weekend I am sure you will have heard the fireworks going of in the night sky with the combination of Diwali, the festival of lights and Bonfire night. There is something magical and hypnotic about watching bonfire flames rise into the night sky alongside the colours and sounds of fireworks going off and sparklers being waved around safely. The fact that the clocks went back a week ago and the evenings are getting darker, just adds to how brightly fire and fireworks light up the sky. I always find it amazing how even just one candle burning brightly can bring light to the place where it sits.

Yet for some there is no light in the darkness. A friend who suffers with mental ill health has days they call ‘black dog days’. Days when they can’t see what is in front of them because of this black cloud that has come down and invaded their thoughts. For all of us, there can be moments when we don’t know what to do next, where we are weighed down by all that is going on around us and it feels like there is no light at the end of the tunnel.

As Christians, we read in the Bible that Jesus is that light. A light that shines bright. A light in the darkness. A light that came into the world to bring life and light to all.

A light to give us hope for the days ahead, that no matter how dark it gets, there will always be light shining through.

Loving God, help us to look to you for all we need. When life seems tough and hard help us to remember that you are with us and your light can help show us the way forward. Amen