WE have entered that time in the Christian year when we have finished celebrating Harvest and move onto Remembrance, Advent and Christmas.

The weeks go very quickly, which is probably due to the busyness of life at this time of year and with shorter days, it can all feel a bit fraught.

November is a time of remembering. On November 1, we remember on All Saints Day, those loved ones we have lost.

Only a few days later, we remember those who have sacrificed their lives so that we can all have our freedom, through services of Remembrance.

This year, when there are wars and so much violence, hatred and intolerance, it makes me even more thankful that we have men and women who are deployed around the world to make sure we remain safe.

With so much ugliness in the world, it is easy to become anxious, feel disillusioned and hopeless.

This is where Jesus comes in. He understands our fears and anxieties.

After all, God came down to earth in the form of Jesus, so He experienced all the things we experience – hopes, dreams, fears, anxieties, sorrows. God is not some distant figure who is out of touch.

He is close and we can know Him for ourselves and experience the peace that He brings in a troubled world and our troubled lives.

Having faith in Jesus and inviting Him into our lives does not take our troubles away, but we have a faithful friend and heavenly Father who journeys with us through the difficult and the joyful times.

Bear Grylls has been more open about sharing his faith in Jesus Christ recently and he talks about people referring to believing in God as a crutch.

As Bear points out, crutches are helpful. They enable people who have broken limbs or more long-term disabilities to walk. They can help keep us from falling over.

So, if belief in Jesus Christ is a crutch, isn’t that a good thing? I agree totally with Bear on this.

I have experienced many difficulties at different points in my life. Having God as my constant companion and help has meant that I am still here.

I cannot imagine having had to go through difficult times without God – Father, Son and Holy Spirit – as my constant ‘crutch’.

He is a good God and He loves each one of us so much and He longs for everyone to know Him and the love He brings.

At the end of November, we begin Advent, which is a period of waiting expectantly for the arrival of Jesus, the baby in a manger, born into poverty, living as a refugee and finally dying on a cross and rising to life again, all so that we can be saved.

If you are experiencing a hunger for something more in life and searching for meaning in life, the answer is through Jesus Christ.

If you want to know more, speak to one of our team. We love having conversations with people and Jesus is waiting for you to invite Him into your heart.

Rev Janet May

Team Vicar in the Crediton and Upper Creedy Valley Team Ministry