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20/12/2016
A reading and a reflection to start the day with the Rev'd Dr Karen Smith, Tutor in Church History and Christian Spirituality at South Wales Baptist College.
Last on
Tue 20 Dec 2016
05:43
大象传媒 Radio 4 FM
Script:
Good morning.听 As the dark nights of winter draw in, I always watch to see who will be first to put up Christmas lights on the road where we live. Sometimes it鈥檚 a big house with large elaborate white lights glittering around all the windows. Other years the first light appears in a window of the small flat at the end of the road.听
听
However grand or subtle the display, light is an important symbol in many faith traditions.听 At this time of year Christians around the world light candles to proclaim their belief that 鈥楥hrist is our light鈥�.听 That doesn鈥檛 mean, of course, that life is ever without trouble or difficulty. Yet, through it all Christian faith teaches that the light of God鈥檚 love shines even in the darkest hour and the darkness can never overcome it.
听
This is sometimes difficult to believe.听 Some years ago, I had heart surgery and for many months while I was at home recuperating, I felt as if someone had simply turned out all the lights. At the time I wondered if God had abandoned me or even existed at all.听 Most of us have had moments when we felt we were groping in darkness. Yet Christian faith teaches that the light of God鈥檚 love is revealed in Jesus. This of course is the message of the carol, Hark the Herald Angels Sing:
听
Hail the heaven-born Prince of Peace
Hail the sun, of righteousness!
鈥楲ight and life to all he brings鈥�
听
Sometimes it takes a while to discover the light shining in the darkness, but in my experience it has always been there鈥ven though at times it may seem like only a flickering flame.听
听
Prayer: Lord, May we all know the light and peace of your presence in this Christmas season.听 Amen
听
However grand or subtle the display, light is an important symbol in many faith traditions.听 At this time of year Christians around the world light candles to proclaim their belief that 鈥楥hrist is our light鈥�.听 That doesn鈥檛 mean, of course, that life is ever without trouble or difficulty. Yet, through it all Christian faith teaches that the light of God鈥檚 love shines even in the darkest hour and the darkness can never overcome it.
听
This is sometimes difficult to believe.听 Some years ago, I had heart surgery and for many months while I was at home recuperating, I felt as if someone had simply turned out all the lights. At the time I wondered if God had abandoned me or even existed at all.听 Most of us have had moments when we felt we were groping in darkness. Yet Christian faith teaches that the light of God鈥檚 love is revealed in Jesus. This of course is the message of the carol, Hark the Herald Angels Sing:
听
Hail the heaven-born Prince of Peace
Hail the sun, of righteousness!
鈥楲ight and life to all he brings鈥�
听
Sometimes it takes a while to discover the light shining in the darkness, but in my experience it has always been there鈥ven though at times it may seem like only a flickering flame.听
听
Prayer: Lord, May we all know the light and peace of your presence in this Christmas season.听 Amen
Broadcast
- Tue 20 Dec 2016 05:43大象传媒 Radio 4 FM
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