I think one of the best spiritual exercises we can practice is to realize that the light of Christ does dwell within us, and we should always be looking for how Christ's light can lead us in our life. Sometimes we see the light of Christ in others, and that is a beacon for us. Sometimes we feel the light of Christ within us, and we are guided by that. At all times it is the light of Christ that dispels darkness from our life, and leads us towards and into light.

During Advent this year I had a special blessing. I was at the altar rail distributing communion and blessing small children. I must say that as a Priest, this is a very precious aspect of my ministry. You might wonder what goes through my mind as I do this. Pretty well all of the time I am moved by the faithfulness of the congregation, I thank God for each and every person, and I thank God for our community of faith. It is such a blessing to receive communion. And when I bless little children, I always want to squat down to their eye level, look at them and bless them. I give thanks for their parents' faith, and for the gift they are to this world. And it is amazing to watch the children grow.

So here I was distributing communion and blessing, when before I knew it, there was my youngest grandson Shaun Elliot, waiting for his blessing. Suddenly I was overcome with emotion as I thought to myself how precious it is to receive a blessing from God. And this was perhaps the first time I was passing God's blessing on-to him. After what felt like a long pause I said: "May the light of Christ shine in you brightly and may God bless you this day and always". The first part was my prayer for him, and the second God's blessing on him. What a privilege it is to be both a Priest and a grandfather!

I reflected on this for several days, and realized anew how lucky we all are that our God's true desire is to bless us. Praise God!

This Epiphany may the light of Christ dwell in your richly, and may God bless you throughout the Epiphany season and forever.

Ralph+