“These tiny fragments of tile were once complete and whole, part of the floor of Chertsey Abbey. Like other such tiles, they were laid in the middle ages. Often, once an abbey or church was no longer used, they would be repurposed and laid in a grand house or home. Over the years these tiles have been broken and fragments lost.
“As it is with these tiles, so it can be in our lives – individual and collective. Over the years, moving from place to place, we become broken, and pieces go missing.
“This time of year offers us an opportunity to bring broken pieces together. We begin with ourselves in the presence of God, acknowledging our need, and waiting for God to come to heal us. We have the chance to bring together friendship groups or our family, through the festive season ahead. We can invite those from whom we have become estranged, we can include those who for whatever reason have been excluded.
“These broken tiles remind us that once gathered together the fragments reveal their original pattern, but sadly some pieces are lost forever. At this time of year, we particularly notice those who are no longer with us, part of our lived pattern in church and family. It is in these moments that we look to God to come and hold what remains together, to hold together broken things.”
Christ is before all things, and in Christ all things hold together. (cf 1 Col 1:7)
Rt Rev Anne Dyer, Bishop of Aberdeen & Orkney.