The End Of The 20-20 Vision

And so the year ends. Those who had a bright "20-20 vision" for the last twelvemonth have probably ripped up the schedules, year planners and to-do lists they worked out so carefully this time last year. As I write this, all round the world the covid19 statistics continue to rise, and the hospitals are at breaking point. People are anxious about the Brexit deal - both here in the UK and Europe. US friends watch the goings and comings at the White House with bated breath. So much has been lost in this past year - 

• celebrations, and public events have been cancelled
• our freedoms to meet, to travel, to be together have been restricted
• church, community, arts and sports programmes have changed beyond recognition
• educational opportunities lost or postponed
• family life has been stressful for many- and for some, sadly, to breaking point
• homes and livelihoods lost, income and employment situations drastically altered
• health destroyed, both physical and mental, many operations cancelled
• and thousands of loved ones have died 

Will next year be just as bleak? In 1939, as World War 2 had just began, and the whole nation was anxious, the King quoted Minnie Haskin's poem in his Christmas speech, which begins

And I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year: “Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown.” And he replied: “Go out into the darkness and put your hand into the Hand of God.”

This Christmas, the Queen said

The teachings of Christ have served as my inner light, as has the sense of purpose we can find in coming together to worship ...The Bible tells how a star appeared in the sky, its light guiding the shepherds and wise men to the scene of Jesus’s birth. Let the light of Christmas — the spirit of selflessness, love and above all hope — guide us in the times ahead. 

No party or fireworks today - just a quiet reflection on the year gone by - and gratitude for the Light that will guide us into the future

There remain faith, hope and love, these three- but the greatest is love.