Gill writes:
There’s a ripple of excitement as I write this Friday Fix – excitement about ‘The Great Conjunction’ or ‘The Star of Bethlehem’ that has appeared in our skies as Jupiter and Saturn align to create a bright, shining star. This ‘star’ should be with us throughout the 12 Days of Christmas fading away on the 6th or 7th of January. Perfect timing for not only the classic rendering of ‘Nativity’ stories but for Epiphany celebrations coming up.
There are so many lyrics in this song from Ash that have Christ-like and biblical connotations – not least the Epiphany.
A constellation once seen
Over royal David’s city
An epiphany you burn so pretty
Yeah, you are a shining light
Having just travelled through the season of Advent where we’ve watched, waited and held on to the Light, the birth of Jesus and the Visit of the Magi catapults light and life into our dark winter days. We still have the journey to continue but we’re reminded that God is with us – that Jesus is God Incarnate – and that we can garner strength and hope from this knowledge.
You are a force, you are a constant source
Yeah, you are a shining light
Incandescent in the darkest night
Yeah, you are a shining light
And while we might be focusing on the story of the birth and childhood of Jesus at the moment, we know that he grows up and by adolescence is asking questions and provoking thoughts and feelings in the adults around him.
By the time he is a young Rabbi, people are listening and wondering who this person is. His questions and teaching galvanise his followers and agitate those in authority – and they still do today.
You have always been a thorn in their side
But to me you’re a shining light
I still find it amazing that over 2000 years later, we are still stirred and excited by the shining light that Jesus is – and that by following the example that he set, we can share that light and bring change to our world and the lives of others.
“In the beginning the Word already existed; the Word was with God, and the Word was God. From the very beginning the Word was with God. Through him God made all things; not one thing in all creation was made without him. The Word was the source of life, and this life brought light to people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has never put it out.” (John 1: 1-5 GNT)
I feel reassured and ready for 2021 knowing that I have this shining light to guide me. I hope you do too. Happy New Year!
Find out more about Ash…
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