The light shining in the darkness - a message from Doncaster's acting archdeacon

National emergencies often bring out the best and the worst in people. I read in a newspaper that some people had deliberately coughed in the face of police, shouting ‘We’ve given you COVID-19’ – How unbelievably vicious and cruel. The darkness in our world, revealing itself.

But then, an amazing thing happened at 8pm on Thursday when, as a nation, we came together and applauded the NHS staff and all frontline workers.

It was a clear, starry night and I remember walking to the side gate of the vicarage, listening to the cheers and applause from all around the neighbourhood. It was uplifting – there was recognition and thanks – but more importantly, there was HOPE. The light always overcomes the darkness.

The same light that shines when people are willing to help and provide care for others even when there is risk and cost to their own well-being. The light will always shine through the darkness.

A we approach the high point of the Christian year, Good Friday and Easter, let us be mindful of Christ’s physical and mental suffering, as so many throughout the world, are suffering physically and mentally. As Good Friday comes, let us be mindful of Christ’s death, as so many throughout the world continue to suffer and to die today in terrible circumstances. And in the loneliness and desolation after that first Good Friday, let us be mindful of all those coping today with loneliness and desolation here in Doncaster and throughout the world.

But the darkness will not have the last word.

On a typical Easter Sunday morning, early at 5.30 am, I would be heading off to the Minster to celebrate with joy in my heart, together with the choir and the people of Doncaster, the first service of Easter. We would normally be lighting our large Easter candle, from a fire outside the Minster’s west door, and carrying it into our darkened church as a sign of the light of the risen Jesus Christ shining brightly throughout the world. Well, sadly, I cannot do the same this year because of the restrictions, but instead, at the same time, I will light a little fire in my garden, and take a new white candle, light it from that fire and bring it the into my vicarage.

The light of Christ – Thanks be to God!

No doubt the neighbours may well think that I have gone completely daft – but so be it.

In the certainty of the risen Christ on that first, glorious Easter morning, the most fearful of all darkness, death itself was overcome to show that there will always be God’s light to shine a way forward for us and God’s love to comfort us. Be Confident that we will overcome this pandemic; and be full of HOPE that we, the people of the world, and all the people of Doncaster particularly, will emerge from all of this, more compassionate, more loving, and more appreciative of one another.

Be strong everybody. Take good care of yourselves and each other. Keep well and keep safe. Easter is on Sunday. Jesus Christ is Risen. God’s Light shines in the world.

Canon David Stevens, acting archdeacon of Doncaster

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