T’was the week after Christmas, and all through the town People were taking their lights and trees down They’ve been up since November, no wonder we’re sick All of our homes must be wrestled back from St Nick. But now there is darkness where the bright tree once stood A space to be filled because we feel that we should. Never fear, for January is here to step into the gap A new year, a new us! How the gym owners clap. We’ll be better than before, all shiny and new. The lies that we tell, the plans we’ll never see through. It’s the bleak mid winter, when the holly wears a crown, This is the season for hunkering down. Save new commitments for spring, when things are less blue Christmas isn’t yet over, there is still work for it to do. Yes, it’s a new year but still the same old you. What’s needed right now is something more solid, more timeless and true. I have my faith, but I don’t always know what’s best to say. To deliver a Thought for the Year and not just a Day. Finding joy in January is hard, making it easier to doubt So what do we do when the lights all go out? It’s a challenge to remain hopeful when all around us is bare. But the eternal hope of Christmas is a truth for all to share. That shepherd’s watched while glory shone around Gives us hope for the weary, that the lost may still be found. That angels touched earth with their wings all unfurled Gives us strength to resist being dimmed by the world. In a year riven with anger, intolerance and hate. We must consciously keep light burning, lest shadows await. It’s a light that still shines, as fierce as can be It’s a stubborn little light that no one can see. It has the power to soften the heart and make it less numb. Darkness doesn’t vanquish the light, which can’t be overcome. The church are custodians of a story, of holy time and sacred place. We herald love coming down from heaven, to show us God’s face. This story remains true, long after the decorations are gone The Word is enthroned in flesh forever, and so the light shines on. So take down the lights and take down the tree But keep one light shining, all the year to see. For now, Christmas continues, ere it goes out of sight So: Happy new Year to all, let us be keepers of light.