I’m not sure if there are any oldwives’ tales connected with seeing a robin, but on a walk on Monday and whilst waiting for someone outside on Tuesday morning a robin appeared. On both occasions he seemed very tame and was only about a metre away. It’s not unusual to see one close by when out in the garden working, it is as if they are expecting something. His brightly coloured red breast makes him easily identifiable amongst the other birds, and he seems very proud to show it off.
It seems fitting that a bird with a red breast has shown itself so closely when the church is in the season where the liturgical colour is red. Last Sunday we celebrated All Saints (as per last week’s message) and now we move towards Remembrance Sunday when the colour red is prominent in the colour of the poppy petals. It reminds us of the sacrifice that was made and continues to be made in order that we live in a country of freedom. Sometimes it feels as though we are being led into a world of increasing unrest, pressure and difficulty – maybe we wonder where it is going to end.
As we have seen in the last few days with the events of the train at Huntingdon, the majority of people are good citizens and willing to put their lives on the line to protect the lives of others. This should give us hope for the future, and as we are promised in the Bible that there is always hope in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ as he laid down his life for all people. If we believe in him, there is hope for not only this earthly life, but also God’s heavenly Kingdom.
May I wish you God’s blessing as we remember.
Revd Graham
