On Reformation Day (504 years since Martin Luther nailed his protest to the door of the church in Wittenberg), pictured here, the wonderful Reformation Altarpiece of St Mary's Church, Wittenberg.
On Hallowe'en where the national focus is increasingly on the darker side of life, it is good to remember that great movement of the Reformation which (flawed though it was) caused the light of the Gospel to shine with fresh and liberating intensity.
When the Reformation Bishops Latimer and Ridley were burnt at the stake in Oxford, Latimer called out to his friend: 'Play the man, Master Ridley; we shall this day light such a candle, by God's grace, in England, as I trust shall never be put out.'
How much does England, the UK and the whole world need 'the light of the glory of the Gospel of Christ' to shine out with renewed vigour and power in our day. Lord, may it be so.
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