Getting out of bed on a cold, dark winter morning isn’t easy – we’ve all been there. The warmth of the blankets, the quiet outside, and the thought of stepping into the chilly air can make it tempting to stay put.

But these mornings are also an opportunity to lean on God’s strength and step into the day He’s prepared for us. Each time we rise despite the winter gloom, we’re not just waking up – we’re answering His call to embrace His plans, trusting that His grace is sufficient for whatever lies ahead. As the Bible reminds us, “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24).

It’s okay to feel the struggle – even Jesus sought the Father’s strength in hard moments. But when we push through, relying on His power, we find that the hardest step, getting up, can be a step of faith, setting the tone for a day filled with His presence and purpose.

In the beginning, God separated the light from the darkness. Jesus, in John 8:12 tells us: 'I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.'

We are called to be lights in a dark world, reflecting God's nature and shining His truth for all to see. Jesus said in Matthew 5:14-16:

"You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."

If God is highlighting areas in your life where you need to let go of or stop doing something, He is calling you to walk in greater light, holiness, and obedience to Him. As we read in 1 John 1:5-7:

"This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin."

The battle is real, but with the Spirit of God in us, we have the power to choose light over darkness, to walk in His ways, and to shine His truth in a world desperately in need of it.

Welcome to that busy time of year again! Somehow, despite my plans and ideas, Christmas has taken me by surprise. I have felt overwhelmed with all the Christmas chores, on top of expectations from my family and that's before I even think about end of term deadlines!

There are so many events and to do lists.

But stop!

Why do I need to feel all this pressure? It is then that I have stopped and asked myself what am I doing?

And God reminded me gently. To seek first His kingdom (Matthew 6.33). There is no need to allow the pressure in. Keep the focus on the kingdom of the King of kings. Allow His peace to reign.

I still haven't written cards, wrapped presents or even bought a tree! Yet thanks to God, I am calm. I hope you can feel His peace too midst the rushing at this time of year.

Be blessed.

Church in Caerphilly

Last week we witnessed the devastation caused by floods of Storm Bert. These floods have shaken communities across the country. Lives have been upended, and hearts left heavy with grief. For many of us, witnessing such destruction, whether in our towns or through news reports, it can feel overwhelming. The question naturally arises: where is God in the midst of this storm?

The Bible reminds us that God is not distant during times of trouble. Psalm 46:1 declares, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” This verse speaks to a profound truth—God is not absent from our suffering but is actively present, offering comfort, guidance, and hope.

During the storm that struck the Sea of Galilee, the disciples were terrified as the waves threatened to engulf their boat. Yet, Jesus was with them, calming the storm with His words: “Peace! Be still!” (Mark 4:39). This story reminds us that while storms may rage around us, Jesus is always in the boat. He is the one who calms the storms of our hearts, even when the external chaos remains.

In the words of Isaiah 43:2, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.” I hope these words are a source of comfort and strength as we move forward together, trusting in the God who never abandons us, even in the midst of life’s most turbulent storms.

Church in Caerphilly