Dear Level10 family & friends,
I do trust you are all well but perhaps having to adjust your thinking in the preparations for Christmas 2020.
For our family, Christmas has always been a very special time; in my opinion probably one of the best times of the year! However, it has become very clear that the Covid-19 threat still remains and we will just have to accept restrictions and change. This will inevitably affect and limit our normal enjoyment of the close personal relationships we have previously enjoyed at Christmas
time. In a nutshell, the full glow of Christmas may be somewhat diminished!
On the theme of glowing and brightness, my question is: who enjoys sorting Christmas decorations? Personally, as I addressed the tedious task of untangling the Christmas tree lights – only to find they were faulty with only a few lights dimly shining – I began looking for a possible loose connection or a broken or blown bulb.
It was while trying to establish the fault with my Christmas lights, trying to find the problem, that the thought for this letter shone in my mind – it can be just a small thing that can bring about a major problem! In the case of my Christmas lights, it was a broken wire in the cable, one small simple fault that affected the whole. It is often the smallest of things, yet so vital, that can be so
beneficial and even essential.
How vitally important it is for us to have strong good connections as this affects and influences not only us but those around us. To be disconnected brings darkness, separation, and loneliness.
If you will bear with me I would like to spiritualise the issue of remedying the problem with my lights.
Firstly, I had to acknowledge there was a problem, a loose connection, and that I had the responsibility and opportunity to resolve it but was I prepared to do something about it? Yes, but now I needed to proceed – this I saw as a positive reaction.
Secondly, I needed to check each unlit bulb – was it loose or broken? I needed to check the connections, inspect the cable – this I saw as a desire to search and analyse the problem.
Thirdly, having found the broken wire, I had to cut back the outer cable, expose the inner copper strands – this I saw as a willingness to expose the problem.
Fourthly, I had to take the two ends of the cable, twist and bind the inner strands together tightly thus uniting them as one – this I saw as a desire to reinstate unity.
Fifthly, I had to use insulation tape to bond together and protect – I saw this as a need to cover everything in prayer.
Finally, I had to fit a connector block thus bringing strength and ensuring a permanent bond – I saw this as a commitment to unite in the bonds of peaceful, strong, long lasting unity.
Having completed my repair job the lighting loom shone brilliantly – every beautiful light bulb responding wonderfully, pulsating as one!
In our own families, in our church family, and in our community, we at Level10 want to shine the good news of the light and life that Jesus offers us. Let us seek out those who dwell in darkness and brokenness, may God help us to restore and renew relationships, may we be so connected and alive and sensitive to the Holy Spirit that we truly will be seen as lights in the darkness. May our resolve, sincerity and commitment touch many, may we help and see people coming into contact with the living God and being connected into the joy of knowing God in all His fullness and provision in their lives.
Jesus is the Light of the World! May His light shine through us. Let’s all shine together in love and unity.
Let’s pray that every soul gathered together at 4pm on Sunday 20 December at our Level10 outdoor carol service will experience the joy of God’s presence. May we all grasp afresh the wonderful fact that God chose to become flesh and dwell amongst us thus showing His love for each and every one of us. This is, without doubt, the true message of Christmas.
May the Holy Spirit reveal the Light of the World, the truth by revelation, and the brightness of His grace and mercy to many in 2021.
May God help us all to shine for Him.
Much love in Jesus
Terry (elder)