Comment by Harborough churches: The light must shine this Christmas despite the darkness

Viewpoint by Rev. Andy Murphy (Methodist Minister in Market Harborough, Kibworth and Naseby, and Vice-chair of Churches Together in Harborough).

The season of Advent, when we begin our preparations to celebrate the coming of Christ, begins this coming Sunday.

We’re not sure how many of the usual candles we’ll be able to light in church, but I’m sure that the doors of chocolate calendars at home will be as reliable as ever – thankfully!

This is always a time of year filled with great excitement, as my children remind me every day. They have long since started watching their Christmas movies and asking how many more sleeps until the big day! The children of our community have witnessed the strangeness of this year, and have known struggles and restrictions in their own usually-secure routines of school, but they are still making room for the wonder and joy of the season.

For most of us, though, Christmas preparations might still be uncertain or needing to be scaled-down. For some, doing things a bit simpler might be a refreshing change, but it cannot mask the pain many will feel at not being able to see all the loved ones they would wish, or to celebrate as they would usually.

And, of course, we should not forget that this virus is not just an inconvenience to our festivities, but a serious risk to health and life, for people of all ages.

But my children’s joy and wonder in the midst of it all reminds me that at the heart of our Christmas story – told by Matthew and Luke, and retold by countless children in Nativities over the years – there is a boy who comes into the darkest of times, into a land of uncertainty, into poverty and oppression, and yet his light shines despite all these things. Not even his own death could bring an end to that light.

This Advent, as I prepare for Christmas with my family and my churches, I will be trying to find ways for us to safely express whatever worship, joy, generosity and gratitude we can, despite the situation, despite Covid-19. The light must shine despite the darkness.

And I can assure you that all our churches will be praying for our communities and those in need as the weeks go on, for strength and hope for each day.

You will be able to find out in due course what live and on-line Advent and Christmas services are being planned by checking

individual church websites. Links to them are available at https://www.harboroughchurches.org.uk/ ; follow the menu to

“town churches” or “village churches”. Currently plans are still being discussed and may not be advertised until nearer the time.