A Message from The Grand Chaplain to The Grand Lodge of Scotland Advent 2020

In almost every broadcast from The Prime Minister, First Minister and every other politician and clinician there are words which are heard time and time again. Can you think what they might be? How about “light at the end of the tunnel” or “we are beginning to see the light”? Words which remind us that we are getting there slowly but surely making our way through this pandemic. There is light they tell us. We within the Craft have always known that of course because, if I recall the ritual correctly, light is what we most desire!

This time of year for many of the religions of the world is the period of light. Diwali for our Asian brothers,Hanukkah for our Jewish brethren and Enlightenment is what those in the East most desire. Light is part of the whole religious framework of the lives of millions. In the Christian life it is of course central and this Advent time points us towards the time when we recall that great prophecy of Isaiah that “the people who walked in darkness have seen a great light”(Isaiah 9:2). The Light comes into the world in the form of the Christ child and you and I celebrate the coming by lights around our house, in the streets, on Christmas trees. They should remind us too that there is light at the end of the tunnel and the people of faith have always believed it to be so. That light permeates our lives and we are asked to be beacons of faith taking an ember of light from the Great Light and shining for the faith.

A little Church was being built in the hills and glens of Scotland. It was ready for use except for the electricity connected. The Minister made an odd request (strange people sometimes the clergy!). He asked that no electricity be put in! Instead every time a person came to this Sanctuary they had to bring a candle. The more that came the brighter it would be..the less that came the darker. There was some wisdom in the clerics idea. Together the light shone brighter.

In this holy season I hope and pray that you will indeed be blessed with that shaft of light that penetrates your hearts. I pray that you will be strong in the faith and strong in each other. I pray that the Christ child who brings light into the world will be real to you. I pray that it will not be too long until we are able to meet together again and share the things we enjoy together.

“May the blessing of the Light be upon you---light without and light within,

And may light shine out of the two eyes of you, like a candle set in the window of a house..May the Lord bless you and bless you kindly.”

May it be for all of you and I hope that you have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

I am,

Yours fraternally,

Angus Kerr

The Revd Dr Angus Kerr, B.D.,Cert.Min,Th.M.,D.Min

The Senior Grand Chaplain