Advent 2020 Reflection – Day Ten

Day Ten – John 12 v 35 – 36

³⁵ Then Jesus told them, “You are going to have the light just a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, before darkness overtakes you. Whoever walks in the dark does not know where they are going. ³⁶ Believe in the light while you have the light, so that you may become children of light.” When he had finished speaking, Jesus left and hid himself from them.

Reflection

Today we read of that most emotive images of Jesus, that of the light of the world. We are unfortunate in the modern world that we rarely experience complete darkness but when we do it can be a daunting experience. Walking on the streets of St Albans after midnight, when the street lights are turned off, shows how much we need the light to see where our feet should be placed and the pitfalls of uneven pavements and kerbs.

After relating the story of a near tumble, a friend gave me a small light which now hangs as part of my keyring. I have been known to use it on occasion to see the path before me. It is not a blazing light but bright enough to spot dangers. How much more secure are our footsteps in the light of Jesus, the brightest light of all who illuminates our path before us.

When I was a teenager and a member of Boys Brigade, we would camp in Norfolk. Some nights we would sit out on the campsite with only the light of the stars. There we would watch as the sweep of a lighthouse lamp would pass over the trees in the distance. Although a lighthouse warns of danger I think it is a good illustration of how Jesus becomes visible to us when we are lost in the darkness, so that we can travel towards him and come into the light.

Finally, as I do not want to be too long – we have been to Barcelona a couple of times and each time we have visited the Sagrada Familia the Gaudi designed cathedral. Each time, as I walked into the body of the cathedral, tears have come to my eyes. It is a combination of soaring organic columns and spectacular light from the huge banks of coloured stained glass. The space, light and atmosphere of the sanctuary draw me into the presence of God in a way which was full of awe and wonder.

Silence

In our time of silence today we think of those times when the light of Jesus has shone in our lives lighting up the path we follow.

Carol

The carol I have chosen today is Light of the world by Tim Hughes which is number 175 in Singing the Faith.

To me, it sums up the wonder of coming into the presence of the light and our response. Here I am to worship. Here I am to bow down. Here I am to say that you’re my God.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, as I am tempted by the darkness shine your light into every corner of my life. When my path is shrouded in darkness draw me back into your light.

Lord, your light is never extinguished and you are always with me and yet sometimes I find myself walking in darkness and unaware of your presence. In those times, please help me to follow the light back into your wondrous presence.

I thank you that you there to guide me. May the moments when awe and wonder overcome me be normal and not exceptional. In your light may I bow down and worship you with all of my heart and soul. Amen.

Extras

I have written a couple of reflections on light which are also created as under ten minute videos they can be found here Light Reflection One and here Light Reflection Two

Copyrights

All images today are from Pixabay.com free for commercial use no attribution.

Bible passage from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Light of the World – Tim Hughes
Copyright 2001 Thankyou Music

Reflection and Prayers: Chris Hancock

Hatfield Road Methodist Church CCLI: 4955 Streaming: 989812