November is a dark month, with the reality of short days and long nights starts to kick in. But over the last few years the darkness of November seems to have become much more personal.
For my family there are some significant anniversaries which fall in November, and this weekend is particularly painful. It's a time that prompts tough questions which seem to have no useful answers. At times the darkness can feel almost overwhelming.
But today also marks the start of Advent, the time when, for hundreds of years, Christians have entered a time of waiting and preparation for Christmas. The first chapter of John's gospel talks of Jesus not as a baby, which tends to be our default at this time of year, but as 'the light of men'. John's 'Advent' was less about looking forward to a birth and more about announcing that 'the light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world'.
This weekend that Advent promise has a dual significance. Jesus has stepped into the world to bring the light of hope and comfort to those close to me who are grieving and I pray that they will be aware of that today. But he also comes to offer that same hope to everyone, whatever the darkness they face.
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