Something to shout about

When one considers the plight of the refugees and migrants who make it to our news broadcasts far too regularly; or those who live in besieged towns and cities; or those whose lives are torn apart by suicide bombers in local market places, it becomes very clear that we, in the developed western world, have drawn a trump card by being born here and living here; and as for living in north Oxfordshire, well we have surely drawn the ace of trumps. We truly are so blessed with all that this land has to offer; peace and plenty; freedom and democracy; every conceivable opportunity. That is something to shout about.

Those of us who have faith in God have something more to shout about. We have personal knowledge of a God who loves us; who was born for us; who lived and died for us; who rose again defeating death for us; and who sent, and still sends, the Holy Spirit upon us to empower us. What a God! What a Gift!

The prophet Isaiah, writing just over 2600 years ago, talking to the Chosen People, the Israelites, who were going home to Jerusalem after a period of slavery and imprisonment, encouraged them to “rise and shine” because their light had come. Their good God had saved them and restored them, and they were once again safe in Jerusalem. Surely, said Isaiah, surely that is something worth shouting about.

You and I can know the same measure of blessing. We can know for ourselves that God loves us...in spite of the mess we make of things. We can know that God has defeated death...and there’s no more reason to be afraid, either for ourselves or those whom we love.

If we come to believe in and understand all that God has done for us, we ought to be radiant with joy. Our faith is worth sharing. It really is something to shout about. Not something to ram down other people’s throats, nobody likes that sort of behaviour, but something to gently yet positively talk about, explain that it is important and life-enhancing for us, and something we want to encourage more people to share.

Soon it will be Lent. There will be opportunities to explore faith at various Lent groups; why don’t you do some rising and shining and encourage more people to be part of these events. Show them by your example how important God is in your life. Really live out the faith that you profess.