Our 'Thought' is from the Bishops - 18th January 2026, Second Sunday of Epiphany

There are a wide range of theological opinions within the church, this article reflects the views of the author

'Christmas letter from the Bishops'

Dear friends,

Every year, we share Christmas cards with a wide variety of ministers, church officers and volunteers across the diocese. In the Bishops’ Office, we usually hold a competition, inviting people to submit their creative and original designs, and this year we gave ‘light’ as the theme. We were inspired by the parallel accounts in Genesis 1.3 (‘Let there be light’) and John 1.5 (‘The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it’) in which Light is at the very heart of God’s Creation.

The gift of Light is also at the heart of our faith. A shining light can help us to see the road ahead when all seems dark. In both the world and the Church, we need to rely on God’s light to help us see clearly when we are uncertain or in need of direction. We certainly find ourselves in complex times, living through experiences which many of us have not had to face before. Where there is war, violence and hatred in the world, where is peace, safety and love? Where there is division, anger and distrust in the life of the Church, where is harmony, grace and faith? This Christmas and New Year, may God’s light help us to seek and find what we need to be the people God calls us to be.

Light also represents change – think of those opening verses of Genesis and John where suddenly there is a move from darkness to light. Change on its own can make us feel anxious or frightened, and therefore it’s important to remember that Light is also a sign of hope. Indeed, as the body of Christ, we are a ‘people of hope’ trusting that God will guide us through these changing times towards his kingdom. We have known much change in the life of our diocese and we find ourselves at different turning points in that journey. This year, we have each said farewell in our different contexts to friends, colleagues and fellow disciples who have moved to pastures new. We also prepare to welcome new friends who will share this journey with us. As we move from Time to Change Together to Time to Grow Together, it has been a joy to share in a process of listening and discernment with so many of you, hearing of your hopes and laments, your anxieties and aspirations for the future. We journey on together, with the hope in our hearts that only comes from knowing Our Lord.

Lest you think that God’s light is only something that we look for somewhat passively and expectantly, don’t forget that Jesus said to his disciples ‘You are the light of the world’ (Matthew 5.14). God invites us not only to see the light, but also to be the light.

If you are struggling to see light shining in the darkness; if you are struggling to see signs of hope in the midst of so much uncertainty – then remember that God calls us all to be light for him in the world. Through our words and deeds, let us be a light by which others can discover faith and hope in God for themselves.

As we draw closer to the joys of the Incarnation, and prepare to usher in a new year in 2026, our prayer for all of you is ‘let there be light!’ May God be with you and your loved ones, and with all those who are in need of his light and hope this Christmas.

We wish you a happy Christmas and a joyful New Year!

The Rt Revd Stephen Conway, Bishop of Lincoln and The Rt Revd Dr Nicholas Chamberlain, Bishop of Grantham