Gravitating to the Light
There’s something irresistible about light.
So many inspirational words centre around it.
Aristotle said, ‘It is during our darkest moments that we must focus to see the light’.
Martin Luther King Jr said, ‘Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that.’
Desmond Tutu said, ‘Hope, is being able to see that there is light, despite all of the darkness.’
And so, on the greyest of days, when relentless rain fell over the North West of England and daylight seemed to be in short supply, the people of Stalmine village gravitated towards the light.
The lights from the church windows illuminated its silhouette in the dismal December darkness. Swags of festoon lights promised some sparkle ahead and cast just enough light to reveal the shadowy branches of the village Christmas tree, just waiting to be transformed with light.
Defying the rain, villagers made their way through the darkness towards St. James’ church, some aided by home-made lanterns, others carrying torches, but all had hope in their hearts…the hope of Christmas.
Carefully-made plans were switched at the very last minute. Instead of ‘singing in the rain’, the church doors were opened wide to welcome everyone seeking respite from the wetness of the evening and enabled all to step out of the darkness, into the light.
Everywhere, there were references to light…from the flickering candles adorning window-ledges, embedded in lush, seasonal foliage, to the glinting instruments of Wyre Brass Band, to the sparkle of Christmas jumpers and glitzy accessories, light was bounced around the church. There was a lightness of mood, as families met up with friends and neighbours, ready for a community celebration. Tantalising light.
Sara led the short service, welcoming everyone to the worship space where all had gathered to share in the much-anticipated festival of light, where the Christmas tree lights would shine brightly for the village to enjoy.
A beautiful lantern procession made its way up the aisle. Children carried their lovingly-crafted beacons of light around the church. The theme of light continued through the words of well-known carols, referencing the ‘stars in the bright sky’, ‘when like stars, His children crowned, all in white shall wait around’ and ‘yet in the dark streets shineth, the everlasting light…’ The light was flowing freely, banishing all hints of darkness.
Wyre Brass Band played with gusto to the delight of those gathered, creating a joyful, hopeful and en-lightening tone for the rest of the evening.
The all-important switch-on, was carried out by Mr. Daniel Smith, the Headteacher from the village Primary School. The count-down was enthusiastic and the atmosphere electrifying! Applause greeted the brightly-coloured fairy lights, cascading round the indoor tree. The popular tune, ‘Shine, Jesus Shine’ was belted out and shortly afterwards, the service was drawn to a close.
Light refreshments were served to visitors, children’s crafting stations were busy, and a wiggly queue formed outside Santa’s sparkling, twinkling grotto, with little ones keen to share their Christmas ‘wish-list’ with this most magical figure, assisted by his eager Elf.
Eventually, it was time to head home, bedtime was calling for many of the youngsters. The pull towards the light had been a powerful one. The evening had been enlightening. People left the building feeling uplifted, having seen the light and experienced some moments of light-soaked joy.
Advent is upon us. Amidst all the sparkle and razzmatazz of the commercial Christmas we are immersed in, the true light of the world is really at the heart of it. Christ…mas.
