We are told that when the world was formless, some
translations say there was ‘chaos’, when there is ‘darkness’,
right in the midst of the most trying times, God is present, and
God speaks. Now God speaking, that’s not just some
comforting or nice but ultimately ineffective rambling. No,
God speaking, we are told, transforms that darkness into light.
He calms the chaos and breathes hope.
So, perhaps like me you find the winter months more difficult.
Or perhaps you find yourself at a point in life that just seems
‘chaos’. I wonder what it might mean if in those moments, in
the moments when things are weighing down, what might
happen if we asked God for a bit of light, for Him to speak into
our deepest nights.
Rev’d Gareth Hutchinson
November 2022
‘The earth was without form and void, and
darkness was over the face of the deep. And the
Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the
waters. And God said, “Let there be light,” and
there was light.’ Genesis 1:2-3
It’s that time of year. The clocks have changed. It’s
getting dark earlier and earlier, nights closing in and
certainly a chill in the air. There was a man I used to
know, who no matter the season, no matter the
weather, gave thanks for each day regardless. I
have to admit I’m not so good at that, I find the
darker winter months much less enjoyable that
those long warm summer evenings.
The above verses are taken from right at the
beginning of the Bible. At the very start of the Bible
there’s this story, some people take it literally, for
others it’s more of an ‘illustrative story’. Regardless
of this, either way, the writer of these words is
trying to communicate something. He’s trying to
pass on some deep truth that has given strength
and comfort through the ages.
