Littlehampton Churches column: ‘A time to pause, to take stock, and to refocus our attention’
Littlehampton Churches monthly Littlehampton Gazette article – this month’s by Jo Gisbey, of Arun Church.
February, a month where the short days and long nights seem endless. Where the unrelenting rain pours down rooftops and muddies parks and pathways. Where the sun battles to break through grey skies.
February, where love is celebrated and loneliness is heightened. Where pancakes are devoured and Easter eggs begin to line the shelves. February is the month where, for some Christians, Lent begins and we perhaps step into a season of discipline and contemplation.
We begin to think about the approach of Easter and all that that means. It is a time to pause, to take stock, and to refocus our attention on the life and teachings of Jesus.
There is something about this season that quietly prepares us for Easter. The cold and the grey, the unending rain and long nights, the discomfort and monotony of it all – can create a deeper sense of longing.
We see glimpses of sunlight in the skies, slightly earlier sunrises and later sunsets, and catch bursts of life on the woodland floor as snowdrops and primroses push up through the soil. We are reminded of the promises of light, freedom and new life. Lent invites us to consider that this promise of renewal is not only found in the changing seasons, but in the hope Christians believe is offered through Jesus at Easter.
Jesus said, in John 8 verse 12: “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life.”
The light of life – what a beautiful promise. Jesus tells his followers they also are the light of the world. What does this mean and what does this look like? Walking in darkness can look like walking in bitterness, hatred, anger, fear, comparison or pride. Walking in light looks different; it looks like walking in love, kindness, freedom, forgiveness and generosity.
As we edge towards the end of winter, Christians continue to look towards Jesus. He is the light during the long nights, He is the warmth of the sun on our faces in the cold. He is comfort, joy, hope and salvation.
My prayer today for us this February is simple: Lord God as we continue to wait for winter to end, would you give us glimpses of you that brighten our days, bring warmth to our hearts, and bring hope for our tomorrow. May you show us how to be a light for others in a world that often feels grey. And may you be the light in our lives. Thank you for your promises, and thank you that – even in the longest of winters – spring is just around the corner. Amen.