Saturday 8 December 2007

First Sunday of Advent; 2 December 2007; John 1:1-5; Kim

TALK FOR THE CHRISTINGLE SERVICE

A relighting Christingle, made possible, of course, with a trick candle. What we celebrate today, though, is no trick but reality: the truth of what God has done for us through his Son, Jesus Christ.
‘What has come into being, in him,’ said our reading earlier, ‘is life; life that is light for all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has been unable to extinguish it.’ No matter how dark it may seem, somehow that light keeps shining, bringing strength, hope, courage and peace into even the bleakest of circumstances. As one of the Psalms puts it: ‘If I say, “Surely darkness will steal over me, night will envelop me”, darkness is not dark to you; the night is as bright as day; for you both dark and light are the same’ (Psalm 139:11-12).
It’s time, then, for us to think about how we are going to be ready to receive this Light of Christ this Christmas time? How can we prepare to receive this Light of Christ? You could join us each Tuesday evening during Advent for Prayers and Meditation prepared by Melanie, you could come along to the Carol Service on the 16th December, you can join us for the Crib Service on Christmas Eve at 3.00pm. But today we are preparing to light up the darkness in the lives of Children who for one reason or another have run away from home and are in need of a ‘Big Bag’. A simple bag containing all sorts of things that will make that child feel valued, loved and saved.
Later we will be lighting our own Christingles, not relighting ones but nevertheless reminding us of light that cannot be extinguished: the light of Christ shining in the darkness of our world. As your candle is lit, ask God to help you prepare and to be ready for His coming. Amen.

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