As the nights draw in and daylight hours gradually diminish it is tempting to think of November as a month of darkness.

Most week days, it will be dark when I leave and return home.

I’ll spend the equivalent of a working week driving through unlit country lanes in darkness - it can feel like the darkness is slowly taking over.

However, we know the light of Christ shines in the darkness and the darkness can never overcome it.

The month begins with bonfire night - warmth and heat emanating from the bonfire, joy and laughter as people watch in awe and wonder, the most incredible displays of colour, light and dazzling brilliance lighting up the sky accompanied by a wondrous cacophony of bangs, booms, crackles, whistles and ‘aaaahs’.

A visible reminder that however cold, dark, wet and miserable it might be, warmth, light, glory, splendour, brilliance are still real and part of our world.

As we move into the season of Remembrance we are reminded of the depth and depravity of darkness, considering again the cost, loss, futility, waste and sacrifice of war.

Remembering those who laid down their lives during the World Wars.

Praying for those suffering, fleeing their homes or fighting for their livelihood in situations of conflict around the world today.

Longing for the day when all people might live in freedom without fear knowing dignity, respect, justice and true peace.

But even in the midst of such horrors, we wear symbols of hope and peace - red and white poppies.

God invites us to be a people of courageous hope who examine our lives with a commitment to living at peace, resolving conflict and seeking reconciliation.

Allowing God to illumine us, transform our darkness and shine his light through us as we witness to his saving power and love.

Naming what is pleasing and honouring in God’s sight and speaking out when things are not as God would have them be within his Kingdom.

Serving our local contexts and challenging injustice as our relationship with God deepens.

November is a reminder to allow the light of Christ to illumine us, transforming the darkness within and around us as God sets us on fire with love for Jesus and we burn with his power, radiate his warmth and shine his light into the world he created and loved.

The Venerable Nicky Fenton
Archdeacon of Derbyshire Peak and Dales