I imagine there were quite a few of you who watched Strictly Come Dancing on the Saturday night before Christmas …..and before you guys stop reading I invite you to keep going!!

It really was a beautiful evening for those of you who love dancing. For anyone who has managed to miss the news, the winner was Rose Ayling-Ellis and the most amazing thing about her victory was that she achieved it despite being deaf.

As I watched on Saturday evening I was struck by the joy that was evident. Listening to the interviews and how they spoke of each other just made you want to be part of it.

Why?

Maybe because you could see how inclusive they were of everyone regardless of the label the World had given them, instead they celebrated that individuality. Or was it how encouraging they were of one another, how they built one another up and helped each other to always be growing,

constantly applauding one another.

Creating a safe environment where you could be vulnerable and honest without fear, sharing their personal struggles and challenges which spoke to so many ordinary people watching. It was infectious and people want to be part of it.

I can hear you say…what has this to do with us because it’s not real…..but as a Church it has everything to do with us and we can learn so much.

Don’t we want our Church Community to be infectious, to be full of Joy and for people to know that they will be accepted and loved regardless of who they are. That they can say they have never seen love like this before.

John 13:35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.

A love that accepts people where they are, encourages people, spurs them on, builds them up, forgives quickly, lifts them up when they are struggling, a love that allows for mistakes and imperfections.

At this Christmas time we are reminded that Christ is The Light of the World but remember, He also said in

Matthew 5v14 You are the light of the World

Matthew 5v16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in Heaven.

When Rose came to Strictly, she didn’t come expecting people to notice her or treat her in any special way, she didn’t feel sorry for herself instead she brought light and joy with her because she had learned from a young age that this is how you overcome adversity. She didn’t wait around for someone to shine a light on her, she just got on with being a shining light and has inspired millions.

So don’t sit down and wait for someone to notice you, invite you to coffee, text you, encourage you or whatever else you might be longing for….instead….get up and be the light, be the encourager, build someone up, visit someone, cross the aisle in Church, in that way you bring light and life and your little light points to Jesus.

The more we do this, the more attractive and infectious our Church Community will become and little by little people will walk through our doors looking for the beautiful environment that comes from us being the sweet aroma of Christ.