Dark days and gathering gloom

Photo by Harley Upton on Unsplash

Arise, shine, for your light has come, 

and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.

See, darkness covers the earth

 and thick darkness is over the peoples,

but the Lord rises upon you 

and his glory appears over you.

Nations will come to your light, 

and kings to the brightness of your dawn. 

Isaiah 60:1-3

Rain and high winds are again forecast for the weekend. As the storm clouds gather here, parts of Turkey and the Greek island of Samos have been hit by a powerful earthquake. Lives have been lost, homes destroyed and residents live in fear of what may happen next.

Other news is equally gloomy. Across Europe the spread of the coronavirus is headline news. In Britain discussions are underway to decide what measures are needed to manage the second wave of the pandemic. Anxiety levels are rising alongside the daily statistics that show increasing infection rates, hospital admissions and deaths due to COVID-19. 

As the world struggles to contain the virus, the threat of terrorism has again become a reality. Attacks on church goers in southern France this week follow the brutal killing of a school teacher near Paris a couple of weeks ago. The dark days of winter this year bring with them a sense of gathering gloom.

Centuries ago the prophet Isaiah delivered a message of hope to people living through dark times of their own. Christians believe that Jesus' birth several hundred years later was the fulfilment of that prophecy. The dark days and gathering gloom of winter 2020 are not cause for despair. Anxiety and fear need not overwhelm those who put their faith in the One who sent Jesus to be Light for the World.

Christmas unplanned

Photo by Claus Grunstaudl on Unsplash

Clocks change tonight. From tomorrow the evenings will be darker. Winter is on the way.

The countdown to Christmas is as usual underway. In our year of pandemic, media speculation and concerns about the impact of coronavirus restrictions on celebrations are taking centre stage. Christmas Eve is just two months away but in 2020 no-one knows what this Christmas will look like. 

Some two thousand years ago Mary and Joseph faced their own uncertainties. The first Christmas was unplanned in every sense. A government edict and an unexpected journey led to the birth of their son in a stable. With no family to share the event the new parents were dependent on the kindness of strangers. 

The shape of Christmas 2020 is uncertain. Family celebrations may need rethinking at short notice. Church services and school nativity plays will take a different form. With planning next to impossible only one thing seems sure. Whatever the limitations and restrictions, the birth of the Christ Child will be celebrated by Christians across the world whether at home, in church or online. 

Christmas Unplanned could turn out to be the Christmas we have all been waiting for.

The gentle art of letter writing

Photo by Diane Helentjaris on Unsplash

In the early years of the twenty-first century letter writing seemed to be a dying art. The immediacy and convenience of email or text led to changes in communication between family and friends. Mailshots by businesses were replaced by email subscription lists and online advertising. Hand delivered letters, either handwritten or typed, became a rarity rather then the norm.

When COVID-19 took hold across the world the shift towards connecting and communicating online was both inevitable and essential. Home working, home schooling and online GP consultations became a necessity rather than an option. Video conferencing allowed business, community organisations and social groups to stay in touch. Life in 2020, for those with access to the technology, moved online.

The apostle Paul found himself restricted while living under house arrest in Rome. A few close friends were allowed to visit but contact with others was limited. Preaching and public debate were longer possible. Paul adapted using the means at his disposal. Letters were dictated and sent to the churches Paul had earlier helped to establish. Letters that would shape the development of the Christian Church came about when others forms of communication became impossible. 

With restrictions on contact with others likely to continue in the coming months we could do worse than follow Paul's example. Perhaps now is the time to revive the gentle art of letter writing.