It seems that the world is getting progressively darker – or else my eyesight is failing in my dotage. Wars, political machinations, threats of terror, the mental cost of social media – the burden of these and other factors feels heavier and the darkness greater.

However, thankfully and joyously we approach Christmas. The fury of the people  will be focused upon our retailers (itself not good, either, for the record). Santa will be released from furlough and maybe even yes, a little baby Jesus-ing will occur.

For us in churches, we are getting ready for the arrival of the Christ-child. St John, in the words that we will read at midnight on Christmas night, says: the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. For Christians, Jesus is the light, a light that at its first appearing did so in a world as torn yet still as beautiful as ours is today. That light not only shone then, but lit up the world for the millennia that have followed – and it is that light we kindle in the coming weeks.

Whatever darkness is encroaching upon you, know this: the light always triumphs. Power, religion, status, money – all will wither and perish but, and to let Thomas Traherne have the last word: there will be one equal light. I pray that the light of Christ shines upon you and all those you love this Christmas

Fr David