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In touch

Up-to-the-minute jumping-off points for sermons, linking the reading to the latest news and global issues.

 

Rise and shine

Looking forward in the context of the past year (Isaiah 60:1)

 

Context

• Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor surrenders gun licence to police.
• Idris Elba receives knighthood for youth advocacy and anti-knife crime work.
• The Traitors host Claudia Winkleman teases new series 4 twist - "What happens in this series is truly extraordinary with moments that made me gasp."

 

Ideas for sermons or interactive talks

What have been the big news stories of 2025? One of the major stories has been the continuing saga of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. It is impossible to know what else will emerge but consider the allegations and events in the context of Isaiah 60. We can see a need for repentance but it's too easy to focus on the need of one man to repent. He is simply an illustration of the need to get down and repent before it is possible to arise and shine out.

The New Year’s Honours List 2026 provides a catalogue of people who have been rewarded for what they have done or possibly are still doing. The list contains a wide variety of people from a range of backgrounds but one of the more famous recipients is actor Idris Elba. However, his knighthood is not for services to acting. It is rather for his work in the community which has included a major focus on empowering young people. Sir Idris is shining as a result of his honour but his honour is because of the way he has allowed young people to shine.

One of the most successful TV series of the last couple of years is The Traitors. Addicts have been feeling deprived since the conclusion of the celebrity series in November. The new series began on New Year's Day and will be different from previous series in that there is a secret traitor wearing a red cloak. Other new features are rumoured to be included as well. Arising and shining does not mean remaining static. It means responding and growing in a way that is empowered by the light of Christ.

 

Questions for discussion

• In what ways was 2025 a year of light or darkness for you?
• What inspires you to shine brightly?
• Where do you see the glory of the Lord?

 

Revd Stuart Wild is the Superintendent Minister of the Blackpool and South Fylde Methodist Circuit in Lancashire.

 

Check-in

Connecting faith with everyday, real-life issues for young people

“Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.” Isaiah 60:1.

As majestic as this sounds, in a world that often feels dark — full of challenges, worries and noise — this can be a real challenge. As we commence the new year perhaps there are seasons of darkness in 2025 that you would like to leave behind, and are looking forward to a 2026 with seasons of hope and of light. Perhaps you have already set goals and resolutions to help you get that ‘glow-up’ this year.

However, already in this new year, we are hearing in the news of darkness and tragedy:

• The Gloucestershire police officer who lost his family in a house fire.
• The British boxer, Anthony Joshua, who survived a car crash that killed two of his closest friends.
• The fatal fire in a Swiss ski resort night club.

After the beautiful Christmas celebration of light and goodness, it can make tragic news feel even heavier.

But as those Isrealites did in the Isaiah passage, after a long time of struggle and turmoil, we must be ready to receive the light again too. And like the wise men in our Gospel passage, we are also called to be awake to God’s goodness today.

Here at the start of 2026, many across the UK are literally arising into bitterly cold weather with snow and icy conditions affecting travel and lives. People are being urged to prepare, check on vulnerable neighbours and stay safe. In the same way, God calls us to look beyond the cold and the darkness and seek Jesus, who brings light, warmth, hope and guidance no matter the conditions.

As we face challenges, whether snowstorms, tragedy or personal struggles, how can we choose to arise and keep our eyes fixed on the light that calls us onward?

 

Reflection

• Where in your life do you need to arise?
• What distractions or fears might be keeping you from following Jesus boldly?

 

Prayer

Lord, thank You that Your light has come.
Help us to arise from doubt, fear, and distraction.
Shine through us so others see Your love.
Give us courage to face this year with hope and joy.
Amen.

 

Natasia Bullock is director of Christian theatre company The B Tales.

 

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