Daily Reading: 1 January
(from www.christianaid.org.uk)
Drawn to the light
Something to read
Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. For darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the Lord will arise upon you, and his glory will appear over you. Nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.
- Isaiah 60:1-3.
Something to think about
In the first few days of my first ever university term, I and the other freshers were all buzzing around, getting to know anyone and everyone, trying out new identities and constantly worrying whether anyone would like us. It was exhausting! So when I had an invitation for dinner with my ‘college mum’, the second year student charged with helping me settle in, I was glad to slip away from the chaos for an evening.
The kitchen in which she and five others were gathered emanated a warm glow that had nothing to do with the strip lighting of institutional accommodation. As one cooked and another poured the wine, one laid the table and others shared anecdotes, you could tell that each felt completely at home. This was a community of real friends, and it was a joy to share many more dinners with them over a couple of years.
Isaiah tells us that people will be drawn by the light of the people of God: the inviting warmth of a community bound to one another by a shared faith in an irresistibly welcoming God. Over the next few days, we’ll explore some of the attractive characteristics of this community.
Something to do
Make a little light display to put in your window during these darkest weeks. The simplest way is to cut out the letters of a word such as ‘HOPE’ or ‘PEACE’ from black paper, stick them in a window, then cover the window with tissue paper, so that when the light is on in the room, the message will be seen. If you want to get more creative, check out Window Wanderland’s gallery for inspiration.
Something to pray
God of light, thank you that even in these dark times, you are shining your light on earth. Thank you for the community of your people into which you have drawn me. Help me to part of the light and warmth that beckons others in, to find hope in you. Amen.
Today’s contributor is Rev Claire Jones