Sermon - Christmas Day

Over the Christmas season we will hear the words “A light has been lit in the darkness, a light that will never be extinguished”. This image of Jesus is one of the most powerful for me. I can identify with the idea of Jesus bringing light to the darkest of places. And just a few days after the shortest day, in the midwinter, it is easy to take comfort from that image of Jesus being the light of the world.

At baptisms, as we pass over the candle to the godparents, or the newly baptised, we talk about Jesus the light of the world. “Walk in the faith, and keep the flame of faith alive in your heart, so when the Lord comes again you may be ready to greet Him.” These words are the commission for the newly baptised (and us all) to not have a private faith that is held in secret, not to run luke-warm over your faith, not to be a nominal Christian….but this is the call to light up the world with the love of Jesus.

It was good to see the previous Prime Minister Tony Blair officially converting to Catholicism, in what was described as a ‘moving’ service – he has finally and officially pinned his colours to the mast and done the right thing. Although I can’t help thinking how much more positive it would have been for Britain to have a Christian who was ‘out’, whilst he was in power.

The Government in general doesn’t have a difficulty in celebrating Christmas, indeed Government departments spent £461,203 on Christmas parties, decorations and cards this year.

Perhaps it’s just that personal declaration of faith that is the sticking point?

Christmas Day is really the start of the New Year for me. I like to think that today, I can start to think about what next year will bring us as a church family and how we can thank God for all that he provides for us. The true light that lights everyone is alive and at work in our church and in this parish. Today is our day of celebration, the day that we thank God for giving us the courage and patience to take that light to others.

If there are enough people who are willing to take the risk and declare themselves on the side of light, justice and peace – then miracles can still happen.

Every year since I was ordained I have commented on the state of play in Bethlehem, and the ups and downs of the people who live in the town of Our Lord’s birth. Most years the news hasn’t been good – it hit an all time low in 2002 with the violent siege that took place in the Church of the Nativity.

This year, the 70,000 expected tourists over the Christmas period, bringing much needed money, is the answer to prayers for many.

After hearing for years that the “Christian community, just like the Muslim and Jewish communities, were losing hope”. We get to thank God for the small changes that have brought about a peace of sorts – and pray that as long as people of faith are willing to ‘stand up and be counted’ then change will continue – in God’s name.

2,000 years ago, God interrupted our human history to bring us light and peace. To remind us that we are all precious to Him, and to let us know that we are always on good terms with Him through Jesus.

Over the last few weeks, people have asked me what I wanted for Christmas. I said two things – world peace and a day off. They always laugh, but it’s closer to the truth than you would imagine.

Today, try to find a few quiet moments to think about the world, and pray to God that the imperfect may be made perfect through the light that the Christ child brings to us all.

AMEN