'In Him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.' John1:4-5
On the 31 Oct 2021, we were at Marlborough UK, spending time with Debbie, John and the grandchildren. It was reputedly the darkest night of the year. The town had a celebration of this dark night of the year which coincided with the now American tradition of Halloween.
The Celts marked this day as the beginning of the Celt New Year celebrating the end of the harvest season with a festival call Samhain. They would light bonfires and wear costumes, ostensibly to ward off ghosts. Then, Pope Gregory III designated the first of November as All Saints Day. Thus the evening before, was known as All Hallows Eve hence the later name, Halloween. Halloween was celebrated in Scotland and Ireland for centuries. The Irish and Scottish migrants brought many Halloween customs to North America in the 19th century.
In the area around Marlborough in Wiltshire, scattered around the countryside are stone circles, the most famous being Stonehenge. In days of old, the Celts and the Druids would gather around these circles to worship and lit their torches in this the darkest night. It seems a perfect stage to celebrate the dark night of the year.
But why celebrate darkness? The Emmanuel Church Marlborough which John and Debbie attend refused to mark such a festival. Instead that night they treated the children to a bonfire, celebrating the festival of light and the end of the harvest season instead of darkness. The children will light off sparklers and fireworks and will also receive an ample supply of sweets.
Darkness is used to hide things and secrets. It is no wonder that some people fear darkness because they do not know what lurks in it. Darkness shrouds many grevious sins and malevolent intentions. Lady MacBeth in speaking of her evil intention, wanted the cover of the night to hide it, "Come thick night; And pall thee in the dunnest smoke of hell; That my keen knife see not the wound it makes, nor heaven peep through the blanket of night."
In teaching about darkness and light, the Bible said,
'This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but the people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God.' John 3:19-21
In celebrating light, the children of the Emmanuel Church Marlborough are taught that there is no need to fear the dark. Luke, our 6 year old grandson, attended a 'Bright Lights Night' where there was a bonfire. He received a string of verses concerning Jesus coming as the Light of the World. Luke would wear these verses as bracelets around his wrist.
'Jesus said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." John 8:12
'In Him (Jesus) was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.' John 1:15
'Believe in the light while you have the light so that you may become children of light.' John 12:36
'I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.' John 12:46
Light reveals truth. It is hard to admit our imperfections or admit we are all sinners. But the light that Jesus reveals truth about ourselves. It takes a good deal of humility to see ourselves for what we are.
Light causes growth. Like plants who use the energy of the sunlight to photosynthesise and grow, we too will grow and blossom in the light of Christ. We are guided by the light of God's Word which is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our paths.
Light reassures. Just as light from the sun warms us, so too will the light of Christ reassure us and warm our hearts. The burden of sin is lifted and we are secure. Jesus, the Light, brings us to a place of peace with ourselves and with the world.
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| The Museum of the Moon at the Chapel, Marlborough College |
At the same time in last week of Oct 2021, in the chapel of Marlborough College, there was an Exhibition of the Moon; a touring artwork by Luke Jerram. Staring at the large brightly lit globe in that beautiful wood panelled chapel, brought to mind the assurance of a shining moon in the dark of the night. However, despite the romantic song, 'By the Light of the Silvery Moon,' the moon does not have light of itself. The light which emanates from the moon and clearly lights up the night, is a reflection of the sunlight.
So are all Christians, who are called to be lights of the world, we are to reflect the light of Christ and thereby set fine examples of decent conduct in a darkened world. That is our witness. Jesus said,
"You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light up a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on a 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
Let our lights shine even in the darkest night and at the darkest hour. Let's shine exuberantly! 'This Little Light Of Mine, I'm Gonna Let It Shine.'
This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine.
This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine.
This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine.
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.
Everywhere I go, I'm gonna let it shine.
Everywhere I go, I'm gonna let it shine.
Everywhere I go, I'm gonna let it shine.
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.
We will sing in peace,
We will sing in harmony.
We will sing in peace,
We will sing in harmony.
We will sing in peace,
We will sing in harmony.
We will sing in peace,
We will sing in harmony.
Let it shine around the world, We're gonna let it shine.
Let it shine around the world, We're gonna let it shine.
Let it shine around the world, We're gonna let it shine.
Let it shine around the world!
Let it shine, We'll all shine, We'll all shine, We'll all shine!
Let shine, let it shine, let it shine!
Lionel
