And the Light Shineth in Darkness...

There is no doubt that many people in this country, and millions more around

the world, feel that they are floundering in darkness as we now approach

Christmas. In many senses: literally because of not being able to light and

heat their houses; or because they cannot see their way to surviving the

current financial situation; or because of health problems exacerbated by NHS

backlogs, to mention just a few.

Those who are familiar with the Christian faith will recall that St John depicts

Jesus as a light, and in the first chapter of his Gospel, he tells us that the

Light shines in Darkness. The celebration of a festival of lights is common to

many religions, and around the world, of course. Maybe it is also a time when

we should think of our own role in being a light for those around us, especially

those floundering in the darkness of despair. And as Christmas approaches,

and we think of presents and gifts, let us not forget those who will be

dependent on food banks to get through the season.

This will be a Christmas Ukrainians will be spending under war and siege

conditions after the Russian invasion in February., a hard time for those who

struggle without water, power and essentials of life, but also with families split

apart. As we remember the story of baby Jesus, having to flee his country of

birth to become a refugee in Egypt, let us also remember the millions of

people finding themselves in similar situation around the world.

COP27 is, like COP26 was, something to celebrate—at least in part. There is

a welcome recognition of the need to help the world to get through the

devastation produced by Climate Change, but not enough was done about

reducing CO2 emissions—a hard ask in times of real energy shortage.

Let us hope that 2023 will be a more peaceful one for us all.