In the area where I live there has been a number of attacks (possibly up to 35) on people walking home. It is reported that he attacks from behind and does not reveal himself. Using a knife he forces people to hand over phones and wallets. My children are very aware of this. I train my children to be wise (so I will collect my 12 year old son after dark rather than he walk home) but also to live in Faith not Fear. Yesterday an older man told my children as they were playing in the street that their Mum was going to get her throat cut next. Fear for many generates more fear - the media is a particularly good example of generating fear - think Swine Flu. Moments like that with my childrfen are great moments to impart Faith and wisdom. Faith in the Light of Jesus means that the darkness is put out and more importantly the darkness can never overcome it. Keeping our perspective that we are loved by God and He has the best plans for us means that we walk in the light.
Isaiah 9 is a fab description of the new Kingdom of Light. When we (King's Church) decided that we wanted to demonstrate that our Arms were Wide Open this Christmas we did not anticipate the remarkable response from the Church. The headline is that over 250 hampers were donated but there are hundreds of individual stories of Light Shining. Friends and families who worked together to help vulnerable families. Individuals who spoke to their work colleagues and told them what their Church was doing. The response was amazing, here is one account from a lady who works on the Olympic accreditation and Uniforms department.
"They were so excited to know the great work that Kings is doing." and "I was overwhelmed by the response."
The Hampers provided the perfect practical application to our Christmas Series 'Arms Wide Open' which peaked last weekend with 7 carol services welcoming 2700 people. I was delighted that Heidi Alexander MP and Sir Steve Bullock (Mayor of Lewisham) were able to join us.
Jesus is the light that changes everything. I hope you know the light of Jesus in your life this Christmas Time.
Have a great Christmas. Thanks for reading my blog in 2011, I'll be back in the New Year!
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