Chaplain’s Corner

CLUB Chaplain Rev Robert McMullan addresses supporters with a Christmas address…

Darkness can be disorientating, depressing, dangerous and deceptive.

‘The people walking in darkness have seen a great light, on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.’ Isaiah 9v2

Light on the other hand, can be reassuring, for it gives sight and safety, hope and courage.

Death brings separation, sorrow, tears and termination. But birth, brings with it new life, new potential, new beginnings and the joy of a new start. ‘For to us a child is born, to us a son is given.’ Isaiah 9v6

A name can mean, a family tradition, a personal favourite, a memory of the past, but rarely it is chosen because of its’ meaning.

‘And he will be called, Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.’ Isaiah 9v6

His names would bring light, not just to those he would be born amongst and who walked in darkness but for those who would follow after and yet still need his light.

Some of us have influence, authority and maybe the last word, or so we think we do. But in the end we are helpless, dependent and all the same, no matter if our name be Trump or Johnston, Foster or O’Neill. ‘But of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end.’ Isaiah 9v7

Elections change rulers in authority, their time has to come to an end. Whether they like it or not, they cannot go on forever and ever.

‘But he will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and for ever.’ Isaiah 9v7 No end, no termination.

In this kingdom, his kingdom there will no darkness to overcome the light, no fear to get the better of courage, no grief to vanquish the joy, no sickness, no tears, no injustice and no questions. This child, later as a man, would call himself ‘the light of the world.’ He would come to the world but the world would not recognise him and the darkness of the world would in time try to extinguish him and the light he brought.

But darkness can never understand the light, nor can it ever overcome the light. A little darkness in the light, should not stop us but yet a little light in the darkness, can help us find our way out of it.

This Christmas time we give thanks for this light, the light of the world.

A little child born 2000 years ago whose light still shines and whose glory still blazes in the lives of people, who still welcome him.

His gift of light can be our gift of life. Light and life for the present and light and hope for the year that lies ahead.

King George VI said in his Christmas Address of 1942. ‘I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year, give me a light that I might tread safely into the unknown,’ and he replied, ‘Go out into the darkness and put your hand into the hand of God. That shall be to you better than light and safer than a known way.’

He is indeed light for our present walk and light for our future journey.

A light that was born, that man no more may die,

A light that was born, to raise the sons of earth,

A light that was born, to give them second birth.

Hark! The Herald angels sing. Glory to the new born king!

I wish you and yours a happy and peaceful Christmas.

Rev Robert: Chaplain to Coleraine Football Club