Editorial

Leaning into the Light

I just love Christmas. In the lead up to the celebration of the birth of our Saviour, I get super excited about decorations and traditions, and I get particularly passionate about lights! I love the warm glow of fairy lights, candles, the twinkling Christmas tree, the whole lot. Each year, much to my family’s amusement, I find a new spot in the house to put some lights. One could say, I’m a little obsessed. 

Light is an interesting thing. It brings warmth, comfort, and safety. In some contexts, though, it can also make us uncomfortable. Shining light can make us squint, it can hurt our eyes. Turning on the light to a disaster can be scary. Metaphorically speaking, when the light 'shines' on our brokenness, we can feel exposed. I think there is a tension there. 

There are so many references in God’s word to him being light. In 1 Peter 2:9 it states, “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” Ultimately it is only God that can truly pull us out of darkness into light. And what a comfort that is. 

When I was a little girl, I would visit my aunt’s house regularly. She moved house a few times, but always, on the back of her toilet door was a picture of darkness and light with this verse from John 1:5: “The light shines in the darkness but the darkness has not overcome it”. As a child, just starting to read, I didn’t really understand this verse. As I grew, I would read that verse over and over until it settled in my heart. The light of Jesus shines in any darkness and that darkness will never be able to overcome the light of Christ. There is no better truth, no more perfect promise. 

As we come to the end of this year, I know there are many in our community who are exhausted. Many are broken, many are struggling with life and living, and many are overwhelmed with the challenges of our time and culture. Let me assure you that there is hope, there is light, and my prayer is that you lean towards that light, this Christmas. 

“Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you.” Isaiah 60:1

As we wrap up this year, I want to thank you for your support as a community to me as I’ve navigated my first year of being Principal at MECS. Thanks for your patience and kindness. I feel privileged to serve and grateful for the guidance of my Lord. 

Have a beautiful Christmas with your precious families and a restful and rewarding break over the holidays. I look forward to welcoming you back, in the new year! 

(Illustration of traditional Christian Christmas Nativity scene with the three wise men by John Dillon)