‘THE History of the World in 100 objects’ was an intriguing series, broadcast several years ago.

Neil McGregor picked out items of significance and interest from the vast collection at the British Museum. His final object was a solar lamp, which he identified as the object that would bring lasting change and benefit to many millions of poor people living in remote and poor parts of the world. No longer would they have to limit their activity to the hours of daylight only. Evenings could be spent in study and socialising.

As a child I remember a holiday spent in a Cornish farmhouse lit only by oil lamps and our first home in Andover had only had electricity installed in 1950, so I do have a sense of the difference abundant light has made to our lives.

Curiously though it is not all good news. It is impossible now for many millions of us to sense the full wonder and beauty of a night sky. Migrating birds and animals can lose their way, confused by light in unexpected places, and now the sleep scientists are reporting after many studies that our 24/7 lifestyle is shortening our lives and affecting our wellbeing. Sleep is perceived as a waste of time, and modern communications technology enables instant contact across the globe, ignoring the natural rhythm of light and dark.

The Bible teaches us that rest is important, and built into the very fabric of the world. In the poem of Creation that opens the Holy Bible, light is created, divided from the dark and Day and Night are formed. After all the work of Creation it is recorded that God rests on the seventh day. Although this is not a scientific account, the deep wisdom of the complexity and rhythm of life is observed and recorded.

Jesus is recorded by his biographers as withdrawing from activity from time to time to rest and is quoted as saying “Come unto me all who labour and are heavy laden and I will give you rest.” Some medieval Christian mystics likened sleep to a little death – to prepare us for a new day. Today that may seem a strange, but perhaps beautiful and intriguing thought.

Not so long ago, when I was growing up (in the 1950s) my mother’s words were these as I snuggled down for the night – “Good night, sleep tight, God Bless.” What a good way to end a day – or a life.

Rev Canon Jill Bentall.