At Night

At night, the Shepherds scampered down the hillside in search of a place of hope and promise

At night, Nicodemus consumed by questions left his home in search of some answers

At night, Jacob wrestled with his doubts and his fears until it was dawn

At night, Jesus found himself alone, deserted by all his friends

At night, the Israelites wandered in the desert longing for somewhere to call home

A lot happens in the darkness

Chester at night is a place of laughter and noise, of vibrancy and chaos, of community and conflict.

At night, a woman cries as she recalls how her mother, now racked with cancer, has weeks to live

At night, a young man enters Night Church to enquire whether as a Muslim he is welcome

At night, a man too drunk and too sick to get home is left by friends who head off to dance

At night, a woman in the depths of depression wonders how she will live another day

At night, a man addicted to heroin sits quietly, he has lost everything and is dreading Christmas

A lot happens in the darkness

And through these night time encounters, I find myself transformed;

by people’s vulnerability, courage, questions and needs.

I feel something of our common humanity; for I too need places

where regardless of my beliefs, my doubts, my addictions and my pain,

I am accepted and loved.

A lot happens in the darkness

Open the doors wide – move along a little – make some space;

for there are many more to be invited,

and so many people are still left outside.

Stand at the door and welcome them in – there is plenty of room.