The first few weeks after the celebrations of Christmas are always flat-the weather is generally awful and life can seem like a long drudge.
I never enjoy the first few weeks of the New Year. The only saving grace is that the evenings are beginning to lengthen, and when the sun does put in an appearance, it is higher in the sky, and gives us more light, this in turn gives us hope of better things to come, the arrival of Spring.
New life, buds, fresh green shoots, succulent leaves, the cycle begins again.
Nature is wonderful, and it is such an amazing example of ‘Hope and New Life’.
Christmas is a time to remember and celebrate the birthday of Jesus Christ, who came into this world to offer us all, hope of better things, and a new life. We can’t do much about the ‘post-Christmas blues ‘and the January weather, BUT we can look to Jesus Christ, for hope in this life.
Choosing to follow Jesus allows us a freedom and a release in our lives, it also gives us hope of a new life, spent for all eternity with Almighty God. I always take comfort from Matt 28 vs 20 ‘And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.’
We take for granted the fact that winter turns into spring-the dark and the cold become the light and the warmth, thus enabling new life to flourish and grow.
What are your thoughts on Jesus Christ? Just an image on a Christmas card, or in reality someone to follow, who affords a life changing opportunity-We can have the hope, the joy and the peace.
Our darkness becomes light as we flourish and grow in the presence of our Saviour Jesus Christ.
The Revd Marina Brain is the community centre manager for the Wokingham Salvation Army Corps, writing on behalf of Churches Together in Wokingham
