Skip to main content

The Candlelight of Christ - January Prayer Column

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

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

For such times as these! - A good news story from Windhill!

For such times as these! (Esther 14:14) On June 1st James Stannet (from e:merge , a Christian Youth organisation) began his youth work for Christchurch LEP in Windhill. He says, "Well! June has been a really busy but very productive month. On Wednesday, in the park, numbers are climbing week by week, now averaging 25. Good partnerships have been made with local organisations. this has been a blessing: enabling us to deliver varied sport activities and build good relationships.' 'The Hope Revolution, youth event, based at Christchurch LEP was a massive hit. A BIG Thank you is expressed to the Church for the support, encouragement and prayers. 200 people attended the Fun Day. Despite the rainy weather, 100 young people took part in local projects: two house clear-ups, school garden project (Windhill Primary) and running the Fun Day. 10 Christian Organisations working together resulting in several families requesting Christian children's activities.' ...

Called to Preach? A Taster Session

Called to Preach? A Taster Session for the Local Preacher Training Course in West Yorkshire and Surrounding Areas starting this Autumn will be held on Saturday 4 th October at  Trinity Methodist Church Duckett Street, Skipton, BD23 2EJ from 10.30 am to 12.30 pm (Drinks available from 10 am) The course is a District alternative to Faith and Worship, it is user friendly, well supported and assessed by worship portfolios. Some people feel sure of their 'call to preach' but for others the first steps are very tentative. It is a process of discernment that is shared by the Church. This day will provide an opportunity to look at the course outline, ask questions and hear from participants on the current course. More details from Revd Richard Atkinson, Core Tutor telephone: 01756 793522 or Liz Whitfield, Course Administrator West Yorkshire District

Youth and Children - time to Get Set

With youth and children on your mind for the 2012 Games, here's three ways to be to be at your best. 1. Sign up for the Youth and Children workshops at Get Set - the day for churches to get ready for the Games. Youth and Children are both among the 11 workshops at our 'Get Set' days throughout the UK. At the ' reach and minister to young people' workshop you will discover: Custom-made resources for school ministry How to engage with those beyond the church through a youth café How sport can play a strategic role in youth At the 'reach and minister to children' workshop you will discover: Custom-made resources for the summer of 2012 and beyond Simple ways to add va-va-voom to reaching children Engaging children in ministry to their friends The vital do's and don'ts when developing a team But don't come alone . The workshop choice will give your church new ideas, strategies, skills and resources to help them well beyo...