The theme of Rev. Rob Cotton’s service on Sunday was “Christ the Light”. The bible reading was John 1.1-10 which include the words “ the light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it”. Rob explained that the presence of God is never far from us, even in moments of grief and bereavement, where God’s love can help us to feel joy for a life well lived.
In his sermon, Rob reminded us that the calling of the Methodist Church is: “to respond to the gospel of God’s love in Christ and live out its discipleship in worship and mission”. This is done by showing the light of Christ which guides us to do good throughout our lives. Rob illustrated this using the Holman Hunt painting “Christ the light of the world” where there is no handle on the outside. Only we can open the door and let Christ into our lives.
Ultimately Christ the light defeats darkness. Rob gave an example from his own childhood where a farmer hearing a noise in his barn shone his bright torch inside and discovered a homeless local man, Jim, taking refuge. He offered Jim a comfortable sofa that night then later bought him a caravan based on the farm. Over time Jim became much loved by the family. His darkness of isolation was overcome by the light of Christ’s love shown in kindness.