Advent light and open doors
For me, this last weekend was one full of joy and promise as I shared with two of our parishes in acts of worship that beautifully embodied the spirit of Advent. At St Mary’s in Fairford, we gathered to bless their new glass doors—a remarkable work of vision and craftsmanship. These doors are not just a practical improvement; they are a profound symbol allowing light to stream through, inviting the world to look in. They say to the community: ‘Come and see!’ and they challenge us to ask: ‘What will they see in us?’
On the doors is the word ‘Rejoice’, echoing St Paul’s call to “Rejoice in the Lord always” (Philippians 4:4). That single word sets a high bar. It reminds us that those who look through these doors should glimpse the light of Christ lived out in our life together—a foretaste of the Kingdom of God and they speak movingly of openness, welcome, and joy. They invite us to be transparent in our witness, courageous in our hospitality, and steadfast in our calling to share the good news of Jesus Christ.
The following day, I was in Longhope for service of confirmation. There, candidates stood before the gathered congregation to affirm their faith as followers of Jesus Christ and together we prayed they would be confirmed with the gift of the Holy Spirit. At the end of the service, they were given a candle lit from the Easter Candle, and reminded that they were to shine with the light of Christ in the world to the glory of God the Father. What a powerful commission for Advent! As we prepare to welcome Christ born among us at Christmas, we are reminded that He is the Light of the World—and that we, too, are called to shine with His light in the places where we live and work.
John the Baptist, who was the focus of our Gospel this last weekend calls us to repent and bear good fruit, to live in a new way—the way of the Kingdom. In a world that often feels uncertain and fractured, this calling is urgent. We are to be agents of reconciliation and peace, builders of the Kingdom, witnesses to the love of God revealed in Jesus Christ.
In the coming days, our churches will welcome many—some who come only once a year. What will they see? My prayer is that they will see communities radiant with hope, joy, and generosity, that they will encounter the light of Christ shining through us, just as light streams through those new doors in Fairford. My greatest hope is that they will hear in our worship and our welcome the good news that God is with us—Emmanuel—bringing life in all its fullness.
As Isaiah foretold, the day will come when “the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea” (Isaiah 11:9). Until then, we live in hope, rejoicing in the promise of Christ and shining His light into the world.
News Hub
