Plenary, 16 Dec 2009

Meeting date: Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Official Report 379KB pdf

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Time for Reflection

Good afternoon. As always on a Wednesday, our first item of business is time for reflection. Our time for reflection leader today is the Rev Maureen Leitch from Bourock parish church in Barrhead.

In the book of Isaiah, we read that

"The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light".

I really do not like this time of year. That may seem strange for a Christian minister with the celebration of Christmas just round the corner; after all, Christmas is one of the most important festivals in the Christian church. However, my dislike of this time of year has nothing to do with Christmas. Rather, it is because I do not like the short days and long nights. I much prefer long days and short nights.

I have to admit, however, that I can think of at least one benefit of these long, dark nights. As an old Persian saying puts it:

"When it is dark enough, you can see the stars".

We were reminded of that recently when Galloway forest park became the first sky park in Britain. The quality of the darkness is outstanding, according to reports. Only in an intense darkness can we properly see the stars.

Perhaps we need this darker time of year, to see properly what is around us—a time when we can close our curtains to the world and take some time just to think.

It is into this dark time of year that the Christmas celebrations break, bringing much-needed light into the gloom of our surroundings. The darkness is pierced by the light of decorations on trees and in house windows, and as the shops are open much later than usual, they throw light on to our streets. Of course, Christians are also brightened inwardly by the celebrations that surround the child in the manger.

For most people, it is a time of joy and celebration, but we have to be aware of those for whom it may not be a time of celebration: the recently bereaved, the lonely, the homeless and those who are struggling financially. What can we do? A little of our time can be given over to visit, and a little of our resources given in order to provide some help. In such simple ways we can bring light into the lives of others.

You may not think of yourselves as stars, but by giving a little kindness you can be the star that brings light into darkness, simply by following the example set by that child who was born in a manger. By thinking of others and helping others, you too can bring light into the darkness.

Presiding Officer and MSPs, I wish you all a joyful Christmas.