1 John 1v 5-7; This is the message we have heard from Him and declare to you: God is light; in Him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with Him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, His Son, purifies from all sin.

A young American girl asked me one time “Are you celebrating Independence Day?” After a quick history lesson, it became obvious why my answer should be no!

On 4^th July, the thirteen confederate states adopted the Declaration of independence in Philadelphia, the then capital of USA or one of them! Of some minor interest is that Philadelphia was the state capital of Pennsylvania’ founded by William Penn, an Englishman born in London in 1644. From that time the American flag was adopted. 13 horizontal stripes representing the 13 independent states and 13 stars on a blue background forming a constellation indicating unity! Today, of course, there are 50 stars, one for every state!

I’m not sure whether Paul is indulging me by inviting me to write a reflection for today 4^th July. In 1776 the American Declaration of Independence was signed. As with my other hobby, if the moon is full, there is no point trying to observe other astral objects! So, with 4^th July, all other happenings on that date pale into insignificance.

The moon has no energy of its own, it is only the sun shining on it that makes it so bright! In some circumstances, we see a crescent moon and if we look closely. we can see the remainder in shadow! The fact that we see the remainder is because the light of the sun is reflected off the earth! This is known as ‘earth shine’

Light in ancient times, was held to be Holy. Bible writers therefore associate light with God. Psalm 27 v 1; The Lord is my light and my salvation- whom shall I fear?

If I were to ask, “what has light to do with the Bible?” I guess I would get multiple answers with a common theme. Jesus Himself said “I am the light of the world.” (Jn 18:12) My computer tells me that there are 232 references to light in the Bible (NIV). Of the many references you may well have a favourite!  We are told we shouldn’t have favourite Bible verses, but hey, we are living in the real world. As time passes, I guess that our tastes change and what was favourite to us a children changed during adolescence and changed again in adulthood. As mature older folk, having favourites does seem to be perhaps something we had in a previous life.

During lockdown I have been trying to learn the ranking insignia of the RAF I was doing quite well when Carol Vorderman was interviewed during an RAF presentation. She was very smartly dressed in RAF uniform. I exclaimed to Mary, “She’s dressed as a Group Captain!” (Four rings on her sleaves) My identification was confirmed as the interviewer said that she held that honorary rank in recognition of her work amongst young people! I felt vindicated that I had made a correct identification of the rank she holds. We all like to be righty sometimes, eh!

I guess that reading our Bibles has become a firm favourite amongst Christian folk and perhaps committing a fresh passage or two to memory. I remember having to learn some passages when doing exams at Sunday school. Every now and again I reflect on the fact that a passage just read in service was a Bible verse of yesteryear.

I am very fond of words that Jesus spoke in scripture, believing that His words carry a degree of gravitas. I’m not sure that I can recall Jesus ever being less so in his speaking. I am fortunate to have a ‘red letter Bible’ simply meaning that every word spoken by our Lord is printed in red. Sometimes it really does catch you out! Did He really say that? This causes a reread to discover, yes He really did!

God the blessed and only Ruler, the King of Kings and Lord of lords, who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light, who no-one has seen or can see. To Him be honour and might for ever. Amen.