“And is it true? And is it true, This most tremendous tale of all, Seen in a stained-glass window’s hue, A Baby in an Ox’s stall? The Maker of the stars and sea Become a Child on earth for me?”
Again I turn to Sir John Betjeman for inspiration at this Christmastide. He is without doubt the heart of the Church of England for those of us of a certain vintage. However, let us remember that this, the Greatest Story ever told, should always be new & fresh for us as believers. I always remember at this time of year Christ’s promise of His second coming. Is this the year He comes back to judge us as He said He that would? If the answer to that question is yes, then are we prepared? Are we certain that He will be saying to you & me “Well done my good & faithful servant, come & share in my eternal glory?”
Charles Dickens moral tale ‘A Christmas Carol’ gives us an insight into how some choose to ignore the fact that there will be a reckoning for us all. But, because of God’s goodness, we all have the opportunity just as Ebenezer Scrooge did, to put things right, Straighten out ourselves before we are all finally judged. Not much has changed in the world since Dickens wrote his story. Yes I acknowledge the scientific, medical & technological advances, but, we still have the poor. Those who have much & who will not share it! People loosing their homes & jobs because of a set of world economic circumstances beyond our control, people dying for lack of food or adequate protection from evil people who care nothing for the sanctity of human life.
“How can I make difference” you may ask? By being concerned & involved, by caring for God’s people. I wonder how many there are who will be on their own this Christmas Day living in our community? While we are enjoying a happy day, for how many will it be a day of misery & loneliness? Do we care enough to make a difference? Could we do the Christ-like thing & open not just our hearts but also our doors to those in real need? Questions to which, whenever Christ decides is the right time to return, will have to be answered. As Christians we must do all in our power to help those whom Jesus Himself would be first to help. We learn from His example. He was born in the poorest of conditions, amongst the animals in a dirty outbuilding, hardly a five star stable!
“No love that in a family dwells No carolling in a frosty air, Nor all the steeple-shaking bells Can with this single truth compare That God was Man in Palestine And lives today in Bread & Wine.”
A blessed & peaceful Christmas to you all “God bless us everyone!”
Fr. Harry. |
