The Cycle of Light

January 6, 2016 by Canterbury Filed Under: Featured Post (Front Page), Uncategorized Leave a Comment

The Cycle of Light

This time of year we have just gone through the shortest day of the year, still 24 hours but the least amount of light. I am preparing for a trip to Yellowknife in the Canadian North West Territories. Yellowknife sits about 250 miles south of the Artic Circle. Currently they have about 4-5 hours of sunlight each day. In the summer they will have almost 24 hours of sunlight. Light and darkness take on a whole new meaning in that environment. They live in a very extreme cycle of light and darkness (not to mention temperatures, this week the high in Yellowknife will be -9 F)

In the Christian Year, the seasons of Advent, Christmas and Epiphany are a cycle of light. We start with this from Isaiah… “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone.” (Isaiah 9:2) During the four weeks of Advent we get a little more light with an additional candle being lit each Sunday. Christmas, the Feast of the Incarnation is the Light of Christ coming into the world. Darkness is dispelled in this moment of salvation, redemption.

Finally we come to Epiphany in which the light of the Gospel is revealed to the world. We see then in the coming of the Wise Men to worship the Newborn King. God has revealed the Good News of Jesus not just to Mary, Joseph, Elizabeth and some humble shepherds. He has now revealed His plan of redemption to the world. These kings, wise men discern the stars and in doing so discover The God who loved the world so much that He gave his Son…

As Christians our task is to be light in the darkness of this world. The Light of Christ manifested with us, in us and through us. We become the Christmas star to people pointing them to the Savior of the world. We take on the role of John the Baptist preparing the way for Messiah in this world. We let the light shine and it removes the darkness. We shine brighter through prayer and worship, study and service becoming more Christ-like the darkness dissipates and is vanquished.

Good things to carry into the new year!

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A.C. LockyerSoftwash Systems, Inc., Founder and President
Canterbury hosted our Softwash-A-Palooza convention and training event and I couldn't be more pleased. The way the staff there took care of us combined with the incredible beauty of the surroundings gave our event a warms and "homey feel" that we could have never gotten at a hotel facility. I would highly recommend Canterbury for a top-notch corporate event experience with that something extra added in.
Don Sweeting, Former PresidentReformed Theological Seminary, Orlando
I’m glad Canterbury Retreat Center is located near the campus of Reformed Theological Seminary. We’ve held conferences and retreats there. We’ve been blessed by their hospitality and facilities. And, we can be a part of some of the great events held there during the year.
Dr. Pete AlwinsonForge
Canterbury Retreat Center is an oasis in the city! Warm, servant-leadership and true commitment to Christ mark all of the staff of Canterbury. Combined with great facilities and natural beauty it is a place where people can rest, listen to God and others, learn, make decisions and grow in faith. You’ll love Canterbury!
Neal Watkins, Minister for Faith FormationFlorida Conference, UCC
"I am blown away by the experience that our group had at Canterbury, it was beyond our expectations. The beauty, the hospitality, the professional quality, and the extravagant grace to just be - it was perfect! We are eager to use Canterbury again in the future!"
Steve Schneeberger, Executive DirectorYouth Ministry Institute
Youth ministers from all over the state gather at Canterbury for monthly training. We love the food, hospitality and the contemplative atmosphere while also being minutes away from big city amenities. When Canterbury is booked and we have to go somewhere else, there's a lot of grumbling.
The Very Reverend G. Richard Lobs IIIRetired Dean of the Cathedral Church of St. Luke's, Orlando
I have enjoyed the Canterbury Conference Center since the 1970's. It has been an ongoing source of blessing to me - not least its peaceful tranquility. Canterbury is reaching new highs with Fr. Jon Davis at the helm. I am enthusiastic about what the Lord is doing through his leadership. Come and enjoy.
Mary Cooper, PresidentEngaging Outcomes, President and Lead Guide
I have had the pleasure of holding several professional training sessions at Canterbury Retreat & Conference Center over the last few years. From the booking process and pre-session communications to the days on-site, I could not ask for a better partner. If you are looking for a unique setting for a meeting or retreat and want a quality experience with more character than a standard hotel conference space, I recommend you use CR&CC.
The North Jersey Homeschoolers Association
Dear Arnold and Canterbury staff,

Thank you for a wonderful stay at Canterbury! The rooms were clean and comfortable, the grounds beautiful and serene, and your staff so kind and accommodating! We felt like part of the “family.” 😁 Canterbury was a perfect setting for our students to relax and refresh after their busy days. And due to an unexpected schedule change, we even got to spend a beautiful day exploring the lake and trails. Special thanks to the catering staff who adjusted their schedule to meet our needs and served the most delicious, hearty breakfasts. Please thank everyone who had a part in our visit. We love Canterbury!

May God continue to bless this special corner of the world,

All the best!
Beth
Suzanne MatteraEvents/CI Coordinator
For the past several years the Canterbury Retreat and Conference Center has been the perfect venue for our annual event. The friendly and helpful staff continuously provides exceptional service while we thoroughly enjoy the cozy environment overlooking the picturesque lake.
Dan SneedInternational Bible Teacher and Conference Speaker - Author of The Power of a New Identity
Canterbury Retreat is an amazing place of peace and serenity, coupled with an atmosphere that promotes healing and encourages fresh vision. Strategically located on the edge of one of the world's great tourist destinations, Orlando, Florida, is this beautiful, spiritual oasis. It's in the middle of everything and yet offers a total escape and a place of refreshment. It's an amazing, life-changing place. I can't wait to go again!
Sarah BerryNorthumbria Community USA
You gave us the most amazing gift of hospitality this week. You gave us a beautiful space - and time. You took care of us and fed us (wow), if we lacked for something - you provided it. The rooms were spotless, light and airy - looking out on exotic trees and changing landscape of wind on water, sun and shade and wildlife scurrying about - providing endless entertainment.
Amaryllis Sánchez Wohlever, MD, AuthorWalking with Jesus in Healthcare
Canterbury is a holy space ... the perfect place for quiet reflection and prayerful listening to God. Come ready for excellent meals, thoughtful service by a caring staff, and comfortable meeting rooms in a peaceful setting that invites contemplation. I leave refreshed every time, and always long to return.

Canterbury es un sitio sagrado … el lugar perfecto para reflexionar y escuchar a Dios en silencio. Ven y disfruta de la deliciosa comida, el espíritu servicial del personal, y las facilidades placenteras en un ambiente de paz que invita la contemplación. Cada visita refresca el alma y alimenta el espíritu. ¡Por esto, siempre quiero volver!
Dr. Steve Harper, Professor EmeritusAsbury Theological Seminary, Blogger "Oboedire"
Canterbury is a sacred space to inhale the Spirit and drink the Water of Life. With that refreshment, we can go back into the world to live more authentically and effectively for Christ.