Painting inspires Epiphany lantern parade

A painting by a British artist and one of the founders of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood provides the inspiration for a joint Epiphany service by members of Manchester’s city centre churches.

A lantern parade will capture the spirit of William Holman Hunt’s painting, ‘The Light of the World’, for the church service, traditionally held on the first Sunday in January to mark the visit of the three wise men to the baby Jesus.

The lantern parade will begin at St Ann’s Church and head to Manchester Cathedral, accompanied by a Salvation Army band.

This year’s service, on January 4, will be led by the Bishop of Manchester and will feature a life-size reproduction of ‘The Light of the World’ inside the cathedral. The choirs of St Ann’s and the cathedral will sing throughout.

‘The Light of the World’ depicts Jesus knocking on a closed door with one hand while holding a lantern in His other hand.

An exhibition of Holman Hunt’s work is currently on display at Manchester Art Gallery until 11 January.

The free exhibition is the first to be dedicated to the artist in more than 40 years and features a rare display of all three versions of ‘The Light of the World’.
News
How going to prison for a crime I didn’t commit changed my life – for the better
How going to prison for a crime I didn’t commit changed my life – for the better

In 2008, Wilson Femayi was wrongly convicted and sent to prison for a crime he didn’t commit. He had just graduated from Bible college. His arrest — the result of a personal vendetta — was a devastating moment. But even in that dark place, God was at work. Today, Wilson is the Executive Director of Prison Fellowship Zimbabwe, leading programmes that are restoring prisoners and reuniting families across the country.

Christians in Africa face worsening violence, report finds
Christians in Africa face worsening violence, report finds

A new report from International Christian Concern (ICC) has revealed a disturbing rise in violence against Christians across parts of Africa, with Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and Kenya experiencing a surge in attacks, abductions, massacres and forced displacements.

Peace in turbulent times: 12 Bible verses to anchor your soul
Peace in turbulent times: 12 Bible verses to anchor your soul

It's easy to feel overwhelmed, helpless, or even afraid when the world seems to spin out of control. But as believers in Christ, we are not left to face these storms alone.

Nicaragua crackdown on Christianity deepens amid political power grab
Nicaragua crackdown on Christianity deepens amid political power grab

A new policy brief released by Open Doors has exposed as a systematic campaign of repression against Christian communities in Nicaragua.