At this time of year, I enjoy looking at the colourful lights and greenery, listening to the joyful music, tasting the delicious treats, and taking part in parties and gatherings. They are a feast for the senses, and a time to have fun just being together. Even more encouraging are the many ways in which people of all ages seek to be generous to their neighbours, particularly those in need of hope or practical help.  

At the same time, I have learned to appreciate the silence and darkness that seems to descend on us as the nights lengthen and the winter deepens. Our ways of celebrating this time of year, our holiday festivities, and the scriptures, prayers and carols in our Advent and Christmas services often point out the light shining in the darkness, Good coming down to us in order to bring wholeness and peace and salvation to the earth.  But thinking about darkness and light, and good and evil, can be confusing.  We might begin to believe that good and evil are equal and opposite, fighting each other, a bit like the Jedi and the Sith Order are in the Star Wars stories. It is not so in the Christian faith. God’s goodness and grace are far greater than any evil.  

Nevertheless, we are troubled and burdened by various kinds of evil in the world, and by their effects on ourselves and our neighbours. When I feel this heaviness and burden, I will often sing a hymn that reminds me of God’s goodness, truth, beauty and power. It is also good to read some scriptures aloud, especially in the Psalms. This is one example: “The one who dwells in the secret place of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, ‘My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust’ (Psalm 91:1-2). Another one I turn to is this one: ‘God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea (Psalm 46:1-2). I also sometimes imagine visiting the Holy Manger where the infant Jesus lay. We do not often think of a tiny Baby as being at the centre of a mighty divine purpose to rescue and renew the world.  This Baby grew up and taught his followers with wisdom: ‘I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world’ (John 16:33).  

I extend my thanks to the people of this beautiful Island for helping and encouraging me in many ways, as I live and minister here.  I wish you all a happy holiday season, Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year.

Rev. Catherine Hazlitt, Parish Priest 

Anglican Parish of Manitoulin Island