'We understand why children are afraid of darkness but why are people afraid of light?' ~Plato

Everyone lives in some shadow or darkness in life. It is hard to avoid difficulties and circumstances that don't go our way. They often come to us unexpectedly and at a time we least expect. But we don't have to live in these shadows for ever. The message of Advent and the run in to Christmas is all about light and a call towards light, hope and new beginnings in our own lives. We can be afraid of many things but there are no grounds to be afraid of God's light. The many Christmas lights on display are doing their best to brighten up our dark winter evenings. But only God's light can penetrate the darkest of corners. The invitation this week is to be open to God's light, whether it's a little chink or a big beam. It's not about how much or how little, but all about being open to it.