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Where is the light? (6 January)

This week’s thought was written by Nick Lear, EBA Regional Minister

“Happy New Year!”

It’s a phrase we use every year as a greeting at the start of the year, but I suspect that this year it has been said with more gusto than usual and with a sense of relief that 2020 is finally over. A brief scan of posts on social media over the New Year period confirms how pleased people are that 2020 is finally over, even if the start of 2021 seems like more of the same.

I have shared in many of the frustrations and anxieties caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. I have empathised with those who have felt trapped in their own homes and isolated. I have wept for those whose family members and friends have died. I have struggled to follow the ever-changing rules. There was so much darkness in 2020. And yet…

“The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it.” (John 1:5)

2020 was also a year in which God’s light shone, and perhaps was more vivid against the background of darkness. Gospel values of love your neighbour, of self-sacrifice and of valuing one another were embraced by many as they clapped on doorsteps, developed friendships with those they had previously ignored and limited their activities for the greater good. While church services have been restricted or, at times, prevented, we have rediscovered that fellowship is greater than sharing a cup of tea or coffee after a service. We have experienced a mini-diaspora as we have been scattered out into our communities rather than focusing our energy and attention on gathered collective worship. We have discovered new ways of reaching people with the good news of Jesus as many have embraced video technology and others have shared messages of hope by post.

So where did you see the light shining in the darkness last year? It may have only been a faint glimmer at times, but it was there because the darkness is unable to overcome it. That same light-hope is with us in 2021. Where are you looking to see it shine brightest? To whom is God wanting you to reflect his light?

May we all continue to live in that light and reflect it to those around us.