Skip to main content

The Candlelight of Christ - January Prayer Column

Image
By
At Christmas, candles symbolise the light that came 2,000 years ago to shine in our world of moral and spiritual darkness. It’s always hard to see in the dark, and Jesus’ perfect life shines out, giving us direction. But even though he died so long ago, he rose again from the grave and is alive for evermore. He can save us from darkness and show us how to live (and help us do so). And when we turn to his light he also forgives us for all darkness in ourselves, and gradually burns out of us our dark leanings. When we read the Bible and pray, and worship and work with other believers, he lights his candle within us – and the greater the darkness we encounter, the brighter his light shines.

I was about 22 before I began to realise that all this about Jesus was true, and ever since I have been aware of his light giving me insight, as if he is shining a beam into dark corners of my experience, or into things hard to understand or accept. And his inner candle work of cleansing goes on still.

But there’s one other dimension to the light Jesus gives: it’s a beacon of hope in an often bleak future. That would be good even if only for this world, but his light of hope goes on beyond the grave, into the next life. Because if we will trust him, he promises to take us to be with him for always, in an exciting life that goes on for ever, and where we shall never again grow old and stiff and ill and die. This will be in a world made new, free from all frustration but full of excitement and joy, living with Jesus, and with God as our Father. Pray for this hope to burn brighter ahead.

Roy LS

A prayer for each week

Light in my darkness, thank you for shining all around me, so now I see where once I floundered blindly. Please guide my steps in your way. Amen.

Light in my darkness thank you for shining within me, throwing your light into all my dark corners. Please help me know myself better in your light. Amen.

Light in my darkness thank you for burning out all those dark things in me that have no place in your light. Please help me open up to you more. Amen.

Light in my darkness thank you for shining ahead when I find the future frightening, piercing the gloom. Please help me step out confidently. Amen.

Your own prayers

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Share the joy of Christmas with older people

By
The most important Christmas Card you’ll send this year Methodist Homes (MHA) are asking YOUR CHURCH to share the joy of Christmas with older people this year.  Could you take the time to write just one extra Christmas card which will be passed to an older person cared for by MHA?  To take part, please refer to the further  details and an order form . Instructions of how to take part, as well as special Christmas cards designed by an MHA resident for your church members to write their own messages of goodwill and friendship, are included in the Christmas Friendship Appeal pack. “May I express my gratitude for your lovely idea of asking folk (including children) to send Christmas cards. We appreciate the warmth and concern of the whole idea.”  MHA Resident
Post a Comment
Read more

Bradford Ukelele Group ‘Splinters’

By
I had heard from a friend who had seen them that this ukulele group might be suitable to entertain our Luncheon Club at St Andrew’s. Arrangements were made for them to come but, unfortunately, due to a heavy snowfall, we had to cancel their visit. We decided to invite them again, through the Ladies Fellowship and open it up to all who wanted to attend an evening concert. Tickets were sold, help pledged and cakes promised, as we were assured that cake helped the musicians to perform at their best! They were such a lovely, friendly group of people and we just sensed that we were going to enjoy a really good night. Some 50 people turned up to support, which helped to create a great atmosphere. We were given songbooks (and percussion instruments!) so that we could join in and also make requests for our favourite songs from their list. It was such an uplifting, joyful, fun evening with songs old and new, many bringing memories from the not-too-distant past. Everyone put aside...
Post a Comment
Read more

Soupermums! Wilsden Trinity Church

By
Do you have a young baby? Looking for something to do? If the answer is yes then Soupermums is for you. We're here from 11 until 1 every Monday, Mums (and dads) have a rest and the babies can play. Have a lovely sit down whilst you sip on a brew. Enjoy having someone else make lunch for you! Come along to Wilsden Church, meet the rest of the group. Lovely ladies cuddle the babies, whilst you eat your soup. Chat with the mums, new friends you will make. Swap tips and advice over a slice or two of cake. So what are you waiting for? come on along, For homemade treats, good company and if you're lucky a song. We're looking forward to meeting you, please come take a peek, 11-1 at Wilsden Trinity, we're here every week! Celine V  (a Soupermum!) Where can new mums go, to have lunch where it’s warm and safe and you get to eat fresh soup and homemade cakes, while someone holds your baby? Too big an ask? Not at Wilsden Trinity! Every Mond...
Post a Comment
Read more