Signs of Life – Light
John 8. 12
Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.’
I have many very happy and thought provoking memories of the Pilg, but one in particular from St David’s was of Michele explaining how Jesus’ love is more like the light from a candle than it is like chocolate – if you share the chocolate, you end up with less for yourself, but if you light another candle from yours, you still have the light that you started with and you can share it over and over again. It has really stuck with me, and I think of it whenever I light candles at home!
Lucy, former pilgrim
The image of light is a very powerful one. A room might be utterly dark, pitch black – but all that darkness cannot overcome a single small candle flame. Not only that, but the light from the candle transforms the whole room.
The last verse of today’s hymn includes the lines “I heard the voice of Jesus say / ‘I am this dark world’s Light / Look unto me, thy morn shall rise / And all thy day be bright:’ ”
The world feels dark to all of us sometimes, especially when we feel weary, overwhelmed or alone. The simple act of lighting a candle and focusing on it can be a powerful way to help remind us that Christ is always with us, and always ready for us to come to him, with no pretences, just as we are – his children, infinitely loved.
Merciful Father,
Whose Son is the light of the world;
Guide us and all your people
That we may walk by the light that has come among us
And finally know him as the Light of eternal life;
Who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
One God, now and forever. Amen.
For more photos and memories of past youth pilgrimages, please click on the button below: