Vivid Sydney really is one of the highlights of our winter season, with close to 200,000 people each night enjoying the artistic atmosphere of illuminations, installations and projections amid Sydney's landmarks.

This year, for the first time, Garrison Church at Millers Point has joined the light show - one of the stops for the stream of visitors who make their way from Circular Quay to Barangaroo. The west wall of the church features a 3D projection that travels through Earth's ecological growth, erupting over the facade with swirling patterns, colour changes, bright lights and lasers, designed by Spanish studio Hotaru Visual Guerrilla.

However, it is functioning as so much more than another artwork or visual icon. The Garrison Church is opening its doors on the busiest nights of Vivid to make the quiet interior of the church available to any visitor who might need to rest, warm up, enjoy a cup of tea, talk, or simply sit in stillness for a few moments.

"What an opportunity!" exclaims the Rev Justin Moffatt, senior minister of Church Hill, which includes The Garrison Church. "We are welcoming hundreds of people into a space of reflection, respite and hospitality in the heart of the city."

Every evening that the church is open, volunteers give their time to welcome visitors generously. They ensure anyone who needs warming up gets a tea or coffee, and are ready to chat about anything and everything for those who want a listening ear – whether it's a conversation about life, faith, or the history of the 186-year-old building.

"What stood out most was the opportunity to offer the love and hope of Christ to people from all over the world," Mr Moffatt says. "In the midst of noise, clamour and movement outside, the church became a place of peace and welcome...

"Our historic buildings are not simply landmarks to be admired from the outside, or a mere canvas for Vivid. They are places where people can encounter Christian community, kindness and the message of Jesus in the middle of everyday life."

Pray

• Give thanks for the opportunity for The Garrison Church to be included in Vivid Sydney, and for all who have worked hard to make this happen
• Give thanks for the volunteers who are sacrificing their time to welcome and serve all who attend
• Pray that God would continue to use conversations and moments of hospitality for his purposes long after Vivid has finished