Be strong and of good courage

We are all afraid at times, it is a fact of human experience. But we should not to be ashamed when it occurs, because we all have fears, worries, concerns, which change as we pass through life. Some of our fears are “private”, known only to oneself, and some are evident for all to see.

As children we might fear the dark; being left alone by our parents; not being liked by other children; and a multitude of other small problems which appear as enormous in a child’s mind.

As we grow up there is the typical fear of not succeeding at school, and of having to “stand up and be counted” when we are resolved to stand against the permissiveness and evil of our present world.

Husbands, have particular worries concerning making a success of their work and looking after their children. Wives, might be concerned about family problems, and both partners might well be concerned about their children, their education, their friends, and the influence the present evil age might have upon them.

The older we are, the more we fear increasing ill-health, the pain and suffering, trials and loneliness, or loss of independence, that might come with increasing age.

But God, who knows our weaknesses, gives us reassurance, if we align our lives with His, and seek to do His will, instead of being on our own, He says “… I will never leave you or forsake you.” Hebrews:13v5

Jesus was once asked by his disciples to forecast the events that would lead up to his return to the earth from heaven.

He foretold precisely what has happened in the intervening years since then, wars, famines, earthquakes and illnesses, would increase as things got progressively worse, ultimately Jesus said people would be terrified for the future.

“And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring; men’s hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth, for the powers of heaven will be shaken. Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.” Luke:21v25-28

How well those words describe the days in which we now live, giving assurance to Bible Students that Jesus’ return cannot be far away.

But notice also, how these two things are brought together in the passage above:

1. When people in general are distressed by the things that are coming, when they say among themselves “Whatever next?”

2. the believer need have no fear for the future.

Because, the believer who has prepared his or her life for what is coming next – the return of the Lord Jesus Christ to the earth – knows that Christ is coming to redeem and rescue those who are his, and to reward them with righteousness and immortality for faithful service, and an abiding place in God’s Kingdom that Jesus is to establish upon the earth.

No wonder then that Jesus bids them, “Look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.”

So when Jesus tells his faithful servants to, “Be not afraid” he gives them a positive message as well, to be firm and resolute in his service, because  whether they are alive or dead at his return, they are all assured of a reward for faithful service, as the words of 1 Thessalonians tell us, and they were to be comforted and edified by these words.

“For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words …
For God did not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him. Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.” 1 Thessalonians4:15-18; 5:9-11.

Quotations from The New King James Bible

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The Chicken or the Egg?

We are grateful to scientist who are able to teach us so many amazing facts about our wondrous planet and natural world.

Right at the beginning of The Bible we are told all about Creation.

“So God created great sea creatures and every living thing that moves, with which the waters abounded, according to their kind, and every winged bird after its kind. And God saw that it was good. And God blessed them, saying, Be fruitful, and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let birds multiply on the earth. So the evening and the morning were the fifth day. Then God said, Let the earth bring forth the living creature according to its kind; cattle and creeping thing, and beast of the earth each according to its kind: and it was so. And God made the beast of the earth according to its kind, and cattle according to its kind. And God saw that it was good”. Genesis ch 1 v 21-25

Sadly some scientists have dismissed God’s Word and have replaced it with a theory, a story of gradual development over long periods of time. The idea of evolution is the product of human imagination and designed to “do away with God”

Every creature that God created has been endowed with amazing characteristics. Both the educated and uneducated marvel at the perfection of bodily shape, at their ability to survive in their particular environment. The way creatures function, has been perfectly designed to allow the creature to live and reproduce after its own kind.

Reproduction is, in itself amazing! When we consider the numerous and variety of ways that creatures reproduce it is truly amazing. Some creatures lay eggs, some bear live young, some are produced inside a special sac, to mention just a few examples.

Consider the egg of a domestic hen. It is made up of three parts, the outside shell, the yolk and the white which surrounds the yolk. The yolk in the middle is the food for the chick that forms from the white of the egg.

A brooding hen has to gently sit on its eggs to keep warm them. It rises from time to time to roll the eggs over to ensure that the eggs are evenly warmed for the period of incubation. Which is about twenty one days.

When the time comes for the chick to emerge from its shell the hatching process begins. The chick taps the shell using its egg tooth which has developed on the top of its beak to pip (chip or break) the shell, it continues to pip the shell until it has gone all the way around the shell. This process can take between twelve and eighteen hours. When it is ready the chick kicks off the egg shell and flops out wet and tired.

All this has been designed by God, the all wise Creator.

So, which came first, the chicken or the egg? The answer is, of course, the chicken.

Did you know that not all bird eggs are the same shape? There is a distinct difference in shape of the eggs of ground nesting birds from those that nest in hollow trees or on top of trees.

Take for example the Canada Goose its eggs are elongated so that they do not blow away in windy conditions. If they move slightly their pointed end acts as a pivot.

When we consider the information and precision required in these examples of design, special, instantaneous, pre-programmed creation is the only satisfying answer to the amazing phenomena outlined.

What is the alternative? What are the chances that something of such precision could have happened at random? Who created the circumstances? Can we be absolutely certain that it was not created by a power that is infinitely more superior to anyone who has ever lived?

God’s Word, the Bible, tells us that God is the Creator of the universe and everything in it.

In the book of Isaiah we are asked to consider the Creator of heaven and earth, His wisdom and power which can be seen in the wonders of the world around us.

“Who hath measured the waters in the hollow of His hand, and measured heaven with the span, and calculated the dust of the earth in a measure? Weighed the mountains in scales and the hills in a balance? Who hath directed the Spirit of the LORD, or as His counsellor hath taught him? With whom took He counsel, and who instructed Him, and taught Him in the path of justice? Who taught him knowledge, and showed to him the way of understanding? To whom then will ye liken Me? or to Whom shall I be equal? says the Holy One. Lift up your eyes on high, and see who hath created these things, Who brings out the host by number: He calls them all by name, by the greatness of His might and the strength of His power; not one is missing”. Isaiah 40:12-14, 25-26

*Quotes are taken from the New King James Bible

To find out more about our hope and how you can become a part of it, visit our website: www.ammanfordchristadelphians.co.uk or our Facebook page.

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Engaging Children with The Bible

In the Bible we read what God and Jesus say about teaching children.

“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your strength. And these are the words I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up”. Deuteronomy 6 v 5-7

‘Then the little children were brought to Him (Jesus) that he might put His hands on them and pray, but the disciples rebuked them. But Jesus said, “Let little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven”. And He laid His hands on them, and departed from there’. Matthew 19 v13-15

The Bible is for everyone no matter what their age, however sometimes it can be difficult as a parent, grandparent or Sunday school teacher to engage children with God’s word. We want them to fall in love with the Bible like we have and want them to learn more about God and His plan for us.

To do this sometimes we have to think a little bit differently, to find a way that it will relate to them and the things they like doing. We all learn in different ways so in order to make the Bible engaging for children we need to find a way that it will really engage them.

From young babies, singing songs and simple Bible stories books especially those with animals is a great way to start teaching them about the Bible.

For children sometimes just reading through passages of scripture doesn’t excite them, so it can be good to pick topics or themes that are of interest to your children. If your child likes super heroes, then look at heroes in the Bible, even looking at the villains in the Bible can be fun providing many lessons for them.

If your child likes acting you could try getting them to put together their own little plays about parts of the Bible you have been reading together.

Bible journaling is also a great way to engage children, especially those who love drawing or painting, it doesn’t need to be fancy it can be as simple, like after reading a passage together, ask them to draw something about what was read. They could even write out and illustrate a favourite verse.

Music is another great way to get them to enjoy God’s word, singing songs or making their own songs relating to something that has been read.

Anything that makes it fun for your children. It doesn’t have to be particularly structured, it may just be making a point of talking about a Bible story or verse as they play, when out for a walk or over a meal. Having biblical songs and hymns playing in your house, may spark your children to ask questions.

If your children are older get them involved by asking them what part of the Bible they would like to read or study. This may help them to take ownership of what you are doing and to be invested in it.

Most importantly make it fun and age appropriate. Let them see how passionate we have for God’s word the Bible and what it teaches us as well as them.

Quotations taken from New King James Bible

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A time for every Season

Although we are still in the winter months, there is hope of a new season around the corner. As we walk in our gardens, on country lanes, or paths and roads where we live, we are likely to see Snowdrops now appearing in garden borders and under hedgerows. They are nearly always the first sign of spring. They will be followed within the next few weeks by Crocus, daffodils, wood anemones and much more. The days are lengthening and we should be cheered by the brighter days to come, with warmer sunshine, leaving those darker days of winter behind us.

There is beauty in all four of the seasons that God created, more unseen in the winter months because that’s the dormant season. Winter is natures support mechanism so that it can rest, ensuring that life can continue through the following year.

The Bible tells us of seasons not just of those concerning nature, but those concerning man and woman and our lives too.

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:

A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;

A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;

A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;

A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;

A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;

 A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.

Ecclesiastes 3 v 1-8

It tells us that there is a time for every season and every matter under heaven. God’s intention was to allow mankind all aspects of life’s experiences to come into their lives. These same experiences will come to everyone, but perhaps in different ways. There will be sorrow, joy, love, hate, anguish, weeping, laughter, work, toil, happiness. We are told that these things and feelings will happen in our lives. We must remember that with this inevitability of life as we live each day, week, month, year, these are like the natural seasons, they will come and go.

There is a hope which we can all share in. It’s called the call of the gospel. We can reach out to God the Creator of all things to help us through the difficult times. Just like God controls nature, if we come near to Him in hope and faith (which is trust), we will then start to see His love and guidance in our lives.

If we have faith and hope, and we pray for guidance, we can trust that things will work out at some point for us, however hard a situation we may find ourselves in. The disciple Peter tells us to “…..Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time. Casting all your care upon Him for He cares for you.” I Peter 5 v 6

Jesus told his disciples “Therefore I say unto you do not worry about your life, what you shall eat nor about your body, what you will put on………. Consider the ravens, for they neither sow nor reap, which have neither storehouse nor barn; and God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than birds?……Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil or spin…….If then God so clothe the grass……how much more will He clothe you.” Luke 12 v 22 – 24

Although nature is so important to God and we see His hand at work within the natural seasons. Our lives mean more to Him. We can take comfort from these thoughts. In all the seasons of our lives, Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter God is always there for our needs. The snowdrop gives us joy of life emerging from a beautifully created natural world, a life sustained by God.

Quotations taken from New King James Bible

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A New Year Reflection

It’s that time of year again where we all start making plans for the coming year, we set ourselves goals and make resolutions. But actually it got me thinking about the year which has just passed. Surely if 2020 is anything to go by, we have all learnt that we can make all the plans we want, but in reality none of us know what will happen next month, next week or even tomorrow.

So, here are the five main lessons we can learn from 2020 and help to focus our minds for the coming year:

  1. God is in control

“Yours, O Lord is the greatness, the power, and the glory, the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is Yours; Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and You are exalted as head over all.

Both riches and honour come from You and You reign over all; In Your hand is power and might; in Your hand it is to make great, and to give strength to all.”

1 Chronicles 29:11-12

  1. If we are with God, he will be with us and will not forsake us

“Fear not; for I am with you: Be not dismayed; for I am your God: I will strengthen you; Yes, I will help you; I will uphold you with the My righteous right hand.”

Isaiah 41:10

“Draw nigh to God, and He will draw near to you.”

James 4:8

  1. As believers in Christ, we have each other for comfort and support

“I thank my God upon every remembrance of you,

Always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy,

For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now.”

Philippians 1:3-5

  1. Christ is coming back to set up His kingdom on earth

“And there shall be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring;

Men’s hearts failing them from fear and expectation of those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.

Then they will see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.”

Luke 21:25-27

  1. We’re nearly there

“Now when these things begin to come to happen, look up, and lift up your heads; because your redemption draws near.”

Luke 21:28

So as 2020 comes to an end and we stand on the precipice of a new year in these uncertain and sometimes frightening times, let us always remember,

“Be anxious for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

Philippians 4:6-7

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God’s Amazing Gift to You and Me

As we head into the festive season this year things feels a little different than usual. We all have had a very strange year and even now so close to the Christmas holidays everything still feels very unsure.

Nevertheless, our families and friends, are a special part of our celebrations at this time of year. We look forward to gathering together to catch up with those we don’t see often (now more than ever). We enjoy our time together and look forward to giving and receiving gifts.

It’s a time when we can all get caught up in the excitement of the season and lose ourselves in the festivity of it all. Our supermarkets tempt us with cut price offers of boxes of sweets, biscuits and chocolates. Christmas puddings, cakes and mince pies, which make their appearance by early October!

I wonder how many people in our increasingly materialistic world will think about the birth of Jesus Christ?  Almighty God, in His love for mankind, sent us all a marvellous gift – the gift of His Only Son, the pathway to salvation for those who trust in Jesus and in God, his Father.

The story is simple. God chose Mary, a virgin, to be the mother of His beloved Son. The angel Gabriel was sent to tell Mary.

“Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favour with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son and shall call His name JESUS. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give to Him the throne of his father David and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever and of his kingdom there shall be no end. … The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore also that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God.” (Luke 1:30-33, 35)

So Jesus was born in a stable Bethlehem, the city of his ancestor King David.

“…it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caeser Augustus that all the world should be registered.…Joseph also went up from Galilee…… to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem…..with Mary……she brought forth her firstborn Son…. laid Him in a manger, because there was no room in the Inn” (Luke 2:1-7)

This had been foretold many years before by the prophet Micah. 

“….. O Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of you shall come forth to Me The One to be Ruler in Israel.” (Micah 5:2)

This humble birth sends an amazing message to us all. The All Powerful God chose to give us the gift of His Only Beloved Son Jesus, our Saviour and King, born as one of us, to reveal God’s character and His plan of salvation.

 Jesus told his disciple Philip

“… He who has seen Me has seen the Father …” (John 14:9)

Jesus born in Bethlehem lived a perfect sinless life. Jesus is our Saviour and High Priest who, by his death, is the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all who would try to follow his example.

 The Letter to the Hebrews tells us that

“For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathise with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.” (Hebrews 4:15)

So, as we look forward to Christmas, we must always remember why Jesus was born and give our grateful thanks to God for His Gift, Jesus the Saviour, who is described by the apostle Paul as,

“……. God’s indescribable gift.” (2 Corinthians 9:15)

Quotations from New King James Bible

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Exercise Your Faith

It has been said that faith is like a muscle. The positive and negative sides of the similarity are both true: it’s possible for faith to become stronger when regularly used and weaker over time if it’s neglected. 

So, how do you hold onto your faith in lockdown?

We all have days where our faith is weak, it doesn’t mean we don’t believe, we are just finding the way a little hard, as with exercise we don’t give up just because things get tough. It is in those moments that we persevere in order to improve. 

In Luke 22 when Simon Peter one of Jesus’ disciples was approaching his weakest moment (although Peter didn’t know it) Christ had already prayed for him.

Jesus foretold in verse 34 that Peter would deny him. Although before that Jesus had said to Simon Peter in verse 32 “I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.”

That is the wonderful thing about being a follower of Christ, before we even realise we need help, Jesus has already helped us. 

Furthermore, once Simon Peter had come through his own trial of faith (and emerged stronger for it) he was able to strengthen his fellow believers as Jesus had instructed him to do. He used his own experience to build up their faith.

That is not to say that because we are believers of Christ that the things which lie ahead will be easy, but if we flex our muscles of faith in prayer, exercise our minds and take comfort from the reading of our Bibles, also turning to those around us for support and encouragement, things will get easier.

“For I the LORD your God, will hold your right hand and saying to you, ‘Fear not, I will help you’.” Isaiah 41:13 

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What is Armageddon?

Most people are unaware that a number of words and phrases in the English language are derived from the Bible.

Such is the word Armageddon. When this word is used in the world it is more often than not linked to some form of disaster.

In recent times it has been used in national newspapers for the closing down of businesses due to the pandemic. The financial crisis which now looms on the horizon has been termed ‘Armageddon’ in the press.

However, when we look at the word Armageddon in the Bible we see it has to do with a place in the land of Israel. In the Old Testament it is “Megiddo” where many battles took place.

In the New Testament Armageddon is written in the book of Revelation chapter 16. In verses 13 and 14 we are told that different powers are influencing the whole world for war – “… to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty”.

Then in verse 15 Jesus informs us of his return to the earth “as a thief”. “Behold, I am coming as a thief. Blessed is he who watches, and keeps his garments, lest he walked naked, and they see his shame .”.

Jesus will return unexpected, at a time when the nations are preparing for a conflict.

In verse 16 we read: “And they gathered them together to the place called in the Hebrew, Armageddon”. Armageddon is just outside the city of Jerusalem. This place being the centre where God through Jesus confronts the nations of the world who oppose Him .

Putting together the ideas we have gleaned, it is widely believed that:

1. Nations preparing for war, the centre of that will be based in Israel in Armageddon.

2. The Hebrew language is to be used. Today in Israel the Hebrew language is in common use in commerce as well as in the domestic setting.

3. Jesus returns prior to the war.

4. Jesus warns the believer to get ready, for in other Bible verses it can be established that at his return the destiny for the believer will be determined. For example, the Apostle Paul wrote that the Lord Jesus Christ “… will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom” (2 Timothy 4:1).

5. The outcome of this battle in Armageddon will be the subjection of the nations to the will of God, and at long last, the promise by Jesus in His prayer will be fulfilled:

“Your kingdom come.

Your will be done

On earth as it is in heaven. (Matthew 6:10).

World events indicate that Jesus could come at any time, ”like a thief”.

Are we ready for this awesome event?

All Bible references taken from the New King James Version.

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Learning from Sunflowers

We all love sunflowers. Their flower reminds us of the sun and late summer days. We encourage our children to grow them to compete with each other to see who can grow the tallest! Adults are known to compete too! They make us smile!

Do you know that Sunflowers turn to follow the sun as it moves across the sky?  The French name for sunflower is “tournesol, that means “turn to the sun”. They turn their faces to the light.
Have you ever wondered what they do on cloudy or rainy days when the sun is completely covered?  Do the sunflowers droop, turning their heads towards the ground. No!  This is what happens.  They turn towards each other to share their energy! God’s creation is amazing. 

Now let’s think how we can apply this lesson to our own lives. Many people we meet may be in trouble, sad, low-spirited, lonely or depressed. If we follow Jesus’ teaching and example, we should realise that we must share our energy with those we meet. The words of a verse in one of my favourite hymns come to mind…

“Wherever in the world I am, in whatsoe’r estate,
I have a fellowship with hearts to keep and cultivate
A work of lowly love to do for Him on whom I wait.”  (Love Maria Willis 1824-1908)

Jesus was compassionate. We know that he healed the sick and provided food for the crowds who gathered round him. He listened to problems and offered advice.

Here is just one example of his compassion. Jesus Raises a Widow’s Son Soon afterward he went to a town called Nain, and his disciples and a great crowd went with him. As he drew near to the gate of the town, behold, a man who had died was being carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow, and a considerable crowd from the town was with her.  And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her and said to her, “Do not weep.” Then he came up and touched the bier, and the bearers stood still. And he said, “Young man, I say to you, arise.” And the dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him to his mother. Luke 7:11‐15

Jesus tells his followers “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you.” John 15: 12-14.

Jesus showed his love and compassion towards all humankind when he, the only perfect man, the only begotten Son of his Father, the Almighty God, gave his life willingly to save all who put their trust in God. Jesus has opened for us the path to salvation. All who truly believe in him and in his Heavenly Father and try to follow his example will be granted, by God’s grace, salvation and everlasting life in the Kingdom of God when Jesus returns. 


Quotes English Standard Version Bible.

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Be a light to the world

At this time, when we look through the newspapers, there is a lot of fear, violence, criticism and a real blame culture. It can paint a very dismal picture. 

Jesus tells us in John 8 v 12:

“I am the Light of the World. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life”

Here he talks of the ways of the world as darkness and tells us that he is the True Light. He will always be there to help and guide those who want to follow his way.

Just as Jesus is the Light, we must reflect that Light and follow his example. Matthew 5 v13:

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a blanket, but on a stand and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give Glory to your Father who is in Heaven.”

Here Jesus is instructing his followers to use the knowledge of his Word to shine and be a beacon of hope for others who may have lost their way and to help guide those who are searching for God in this world. It is the positive attitude we must have. In the same way as a lighthouse guides the ships of the night, so we must shine in this world to help and guide.

We must reflect upon the way Jesus has shown us and try to walk in it. Sadly, this can be difficult in these times when there is so much hate in the world.

The apostle Paul instructs us further on how to follow Jesus and how to treat each other.

 Ephesians 4 v 29:

“Walk in a manner worthy of the calling, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing one another in love.”

As we walk through this life, let us remember these words and treat those around us with love. 

 Let us strive to be, as Jesus is – a light in a world of darkness.

All quotes taken from the ESV

Many of us may remember singing this hymn at school or in Sunday School!

Jesus bids us shine with a pure, clear light,

Like a little candle burning in the night.

In this world is darkness so let us shine–  

You in your small corner and I in mine.

Jesus bids us shine, then, for all around

Many kinds of darkness in this world are found –

Sin, and want, and sorrow so we must shine,

You in your small corner and I in mine.

Susan Warner 1819 -1895

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