‘LOVE is in the air’ was a global one hit wonder for John Paul Young in 1978 but never quite made it to number 1. I was almost old enough to go to discos but probably too shy to ask anyone to dance. The song suggests that love is in the ‘air’, in every sight and sound, in creation such as trees, seas, at the rising and falling of the sun. The song asks if it is foolish to believe in love?
The short answer is no, but we would want to give love flesh and understand it in terms of our relationships. As a Christian I would want to declare that God is Love and this love is in us and we in him (1 John 4:16 a bible verse often quoted at weddings); that we are invited to abide in His love (John 15); that to live as Christians we need to love God, ourselves and each other (Matthew10:27); that the perfect expression of God love is found in the Holy Trinity (God Father, Son and Holy Spirit) which is like a divine dance that we are invited to join.
Our theme for the month at my church is ‘unending love’, something we hope to discover afresh through regular worship and fellowship. For some, Valentine’s day might be a useful prompt. Although this occasion can be exclusive and painful for others – we are all loved. You may also have read that a number of churches are working together with local business to put on a weddings fayre at St Margaret’s Church, Ilkley, on Saturday 11th February (11am–3pm). Although there are some legal considerations about being married in Church many people do not realise that you don’t have to be a churchgoer or profess a Christian faith to do so, but simply be willing to invite the God of Love, whatever you understand about Him, to bind your promises and be at the heart of your marriage.
Love is in the air, but I believe that through faith in God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit can dwell in our hearts and minds too. My challenge to one and all … take a deep breath, put on your dancing shoes, don’t be shy, let’s make sure no one is excluded from this divine eternal dance of love.
Patrick Bateman
Vicar - Ilkley, All Saints
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