Love comes first

Finished work today for a Christmas break. Pausing for reflection before our travels to see family and celebrate Immanuel.

Holding in prayerful lament friends and others in Rotherham who continue to be affected by the neglect and damage of child sexual exploitation, the racism that is part of the backlash and the failure of the community and those in power to keep them safe. Praising God for all those who have a vision for a different way and are standing up for all the people of Rotherham.

"I will light candles this Christmas.
Candles of joy, despite all the sadness.
Candles of hope where despair keeps watch.
Candles of courage where fear is ever present.
Candles of peace for tempest-tossed days.
Candles of grace to ease heavy burdens.
Candles of love to inspire all of my living.
Candles that will burn all the year long".
By Howard Thurman