I LOVE Christmas lights.

The Star recently reported how pleased everyone is with the Christmas Tree in the town centre, and the lights that adorn shops and streets around the centre of St Helens and Earlestown. Working at St Helens Parish Church I’m really fortunate to get to enjoy them every day.

No matter where you may live, even a simple walk to the corner shop or drive home at the end of the evening is a time of child-like glee. There are some cracking displays on offer around St Helens in homes and businesses alike.

When it is dark and cold, the little lights shining behind front room windows or strung round roofs or trees offer much needed relief and hope. A reminder that there is still light and goodness and joy, even in the darkest of times.

And it feels dark at the moment. I feel that I’ve said that every Christmas in recent years. With Covid and then the cost of living crisis, wars in the Ukraine and now Israel-Palestine. I don’t have to think too hard to call to mind people for whom 2023 has been a trying year, and so many of us at times feel overwhelmed by the darkness and anxiety.

At Christmas time, Christians celebrate that “the true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world” (John’s gospel, chapter 1 verse 9).

Light is powerful: it only takes a tiny glimmer to transform the darkness – think about lighting a candle in a dark room. Suddenly the darkness diminishes with the power of the tiny light.

At Christmas we celebrate a tiny baby being born and He would have a huge impact on the world.

It fits well then that this celebration is so often marked by lights – something small that makes a big difference.

Whether you are approaching this Christmas with excitement and thanksgiving, each twinkly light adding to your joy. Or if you are eager for 2024 to bring more joyful times, we pray that you all have a light and a hope filled Christmas, and enjoy all the Christmas lights!

Reverend of St Helens Parish Church - Rachel Shuttleworth