CHRISTMAS STORY
State schools are increasingly replacing the traditional nativity play with variations on a winter theme including pop songs and aliens rather than carols and Mary and Joseph. This move away from a faith-based story to a mish mash of ideas and imagery seems a retrograde step. An acknowledgement of the way faith has shaped our culture is sacrificed on the altar of political correctness. As one parent reminded her son, if you don’t want God we can forgo the presents and celebration! Secularists may want to remind us that it is the Christian faith that has highjacked a pagan festival rather than the other way round. However, the retelling of the story at this time of year with its associated traditions is a way of presenting the package of goodwill towards others rather than simple indulgent revelry which was the focus of its pagan origins. The Christmas Child shoebox service was a fitting way to move the focus away from our own needs on to those of others. The all-year round preparation for this event by some members of our church is a testimony to the desire to give not just at Christmas time but as an attitude towards life.
Just like the slogan that says a dog is not just for Christmas, so we can affirm that giving is not just for Christmas as well. In Reading the churches are setting up a night shelter for the homeless, not just for the Christmas period as some places have done, but continuing through the cold winter months. This represents a huge commitment as sustaining something over a period time is always more costly See their website at www.abedforthenight.org.uk
I pray that we will be motivated by our love for God and the gift of his Son through the empowering of His Spirit to continue a life of service towards others. Each of us is called to ‘flesh that out’ in our own unique way in our service to the King of Kings.

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