The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has never put it out. John 1 v 5
Light
In darkness, even a small light stands out, although it needs to be nurtured to continue shining without faltering. One light alone is vulnerable, but many lights together are too strong to be extinguished. Together, they can dispel darkness completely. Light is not something we can easily keep to ourselves, and when we share it, others benefit. Light can come from many different sources. Everyone has different talents and capabilities, but what is most important is the commitment we all make to do our best to stand up for those who are suffering, and to confront hate, fear, and prejudice whenever we encounter it.
Darkness
Darkness is frightening for many, not least because it can hide danger and prevent us from knowing which way to go, or who to reach out to.
Darkness can grow slowly – so slowly that it can be difficult to recognise when light disappears. However, sometimes we are unaware we are in the darkness – if we are used to the darkness, a lack of knowledge, and ways to access knowledge, leave us blind. It is important that we help to light others’ darkness, as well as our own. Others may deny that light exists, so we need to show that remaining in darkness is not the only option.
WHAT IS HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL DAY?
The 27th January is the day for everyone to remember the six million Jews murdered in the Holocaust, and the millions of people killed under Nazi Persecution, and in the genocides which followed in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia, and Darfur. The 27th January marks the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest Nazi death camp. In the UK, thousands of local events and activities take place every year – each one an opportunity for people to reflect on those whose lives were changed beyond recognition, and to challenge prejudice, discrimination, and hatred in our own society today. On HMD, we all have a role to play to ensure that we learn the lessons of the past, to create a safer, better future.
BE THE LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS
Be the light in the darkness is the theme for Holocaust Memorial Day 2021.
We will continue to do our bit for as long as we can, secure in the knowledge that others will continue to light a candle long after us. – Gena Turgel MBE, survivor of the Holocaust (1923-2018)
The theme for Holocaust Memorial Day (HMD) 2021 is Be the light in the darkness. It encourages everyone to reflect on the depths humanity can sink to, but also the ways individuals and communities resisted that darkness to ‘be the light’ before, during and after genocide.
Be the light in the darkness is an affirmation and a call to action for everyone marking HMD. This theme asks us to consider different kinds of ‘darkness’, for example, identity-based persecution, misinformation, denial of justice; and different ways of ‘being the light’, for example, resistance, acts of solidarity, rescue and illuminating mistruths.
Increasing levels of denial, division and misinformation in today’s world mean we must remain vigilant against hatred and identity-based hostility. Rapid technological developments, a turbulent political climate, and world events beyond our control can leave us feeling helpless and insignificant. The utterly unprecedented times through which we are living currently are showing the very best of which humanity is capable but also – in some of the abuse and conspiracy theories being spread on social media – the much darker side of our world as well.
We can all stand in solidarity. We can choose to be the light in the darkness in a variety of ways and places – at home, in public, and online. Tonight, across the globe at 8pm people are invited to light a candle to remember those who died in the Holocaust and genocides of the 20th century and to pledge to work for peace and tolerance that they may never happen again.
This week’s prayers:
God of love, we pray for the victims of the Holocaust and of genocides in other parts of the world. We pray that you send your light on all who lost loved ones. We pray that you help us hear the words of survivors. We pray that the names of all victims will never be forgotten, but will be remembered by us and by those who come after us. We pray that our world will resist evil and intolerance, so that we can all live together in peace and prosperity. And we pray that you will help us be the light in the darkness. Amen.
Called to be a light: A litany
When faced with religious discrimination,
Jesus calls us to be a light shining in the darkness.
When faced with a global pandemic that threatens our wellbeing,
Jesus calls us to be a light shining in the darkness.
When faced with the darkness of shame and rejection,
Jesus calls us to be a light shining in the darkness.
When faced with human beings not being treated in a dignified manner,
Jesus calls us to be a light shining in the darkness.
When faced with discrimination for ‘being different’,
Jesus calls us to be a light shining in the darkness.
When faced with injustices caused in the name of religion,
Jesus calls us to be a light shining in the darkness.
When faced with people who are unable to live in their own countries and homelands,
Jesus calls us to be a light shining in the darkness.
When faced with a lack of generosity towards refugees and migrants,
Jesus calls us to be a light shining in the darkness.
When faced with genocide,
Jesus calls us to be a light shining in the darkness.
When faced with denial of the Holocaust,
Jesus calls us to be a light shining in the darkness.
We look to the light of Jesus, so that as we reflect his light in the world, it is filled with the harvest of his good works. Amen.
This week’s music:
Closing words
As we go from this place of prayer into a world of challenge and change, We remember the pain of the past. As we follow God’s command to let to our light shine, We recognise the opportunity of the here and now. As we seek the truth and glimpse God’s light in all people and places, We commit ourselves to sharing God’s light through hope and love.
Interfaith Benediction
May the light of God shine on us, transform our lives, and brighten the world. Amen.
