“The night’s fair drawin’ in” seems to be the topic of conversation this week, and even of a special N.I.F.D.I. menu at a local hotel. And it is so noticeable that the evenings are becoming shorter, as darkness falls earlier each day.

But dark nights mean more opportunities to see the amazing array of stars on a clear night, and to see the moonlight reflected on a dark sea, just two of the awe inspiring sights we are so fortunate to be able to see.

And dark nights mean we can light our fires, draw the curtains and cuddle down with a good book, a DVD or our favourite TV show.

But for some people these dark nights can bring on the downward spiral from feeling ‘a bit down’ to the depths of depression. The Bible tells us that “God said ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light.” (Genesis 1:3) and John’s Gospel speaks of Jesus as “the light [that] shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it”. We understand so little about depression, but by being open about it, speaking about it, perhaps we can shed some light on it.

So as the night’s fair drawin’ in, can we reflect some of God’s light, the light of Jesus? Can we all try to ‘brighten up’ someone’s day, by saying a kind word, smiling or giving a helping hand? Can we ‘be a star’ for someone in need? Or shine like the light of the moon, bringing joy into other people’s lives. Remember that there is always light at the end of the tunnel, just pray that it’s not a train coming!

May God’s light and life be with any readers of An Tirisdeach who welcome it, Elspeth.

(Rev Elspeth MacLean, Tiree Parish Church, tel 220377.)