November is here and it seems a far cry from the blistering heat of the summer when we wondered if the weather would ever get cold again. Yet, we are in that twilight zone of autumn into winter and a time of remembrance: of remembering All Souls and giving thanks for the lives of those we have loved and who are now risen in Glory; of remembering acts of sedition with fireworks and sparklers; and of remembering those who have fallen in armed conflict across the world and of committing to work for peace.

The last Sunday of November is the 1st Sunday of Advent, the beginning of the Church Calendar when instead of focussing on the dark we remember the light that is to come: The light of Christ that has entered our world and lived amongst us. As we spend time in remembrance this November we can also live in gratitude for all that we have, and in hope for a future where no acts of sedition are needed, where no-one needs to go to battle, and where Christ reigns as acknowledged King of this world and the next.

Jonathan