Bible Readings
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. (John1:1-5)
Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12)
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:14-16)
Thought
You may or may not be a fan of Strictly Come Dancing, these days more commonly referred to as simply ‘Strictly’, but on a Saturday night some 12 million people regularly watch the BBC television programme where celebrities attempt to learn how to dance either Latin or Ballroom. The show is full of glitz and glamour, beautiful dresses and men in tails. There are more sequins than you can count, stunning make-up and a live band sings and plays the music while the professional dancers make it all look so easy.
There are many reasons why people watch Strictly; some like to follow the journey made by the celebrities as they are transformed often from complete beginners into highly competent dancers. For others it is the draw of watching celebrities or enjoying the comments made by the judges. For still others it is simply the dances, the music and the clothes that they enjoy.
This year Strictly almost didn’t happen due to the pandemic, but the BBC, the professional dancers and the celebrities have worked extremely hard to make sure it has. It is not the same as it usually is, but the important essential elements are still there. More than once people on the show have commented on how important the show has become this year, because it brings light into a dark time. People have said how they feel the need for the positivity that surrounds the programme during these difficult days of the pandemic.
We all need light in times of darkness. As Christians Jesus is our light, he brought light into this dark world. Through the Holy Spirit we have that light within us, so that we are called to be lights in this world. Strictly will come to an end, as it always does, just before Christmas. The dresses will be put away, the lights turned off and the music will end. The light that we have with us never comes to an end, no one can turn off the light we have in Christ.
As Christ is our light, so we need to be lights in this world. May our positivity so radiate from us that we are able to brighten up the lives of all those that we meet.
Prayer
God created order out of chaos.
God brought light out of darkness.
God made all things from nothing.
God breathed life into all things.
God loves all that he has made.
God is almighty who loves you.
God is able to uphold and rescue you.
Amen
Song: Jesus hope of the nations (Brian Doerksen)