Archbishop appeals for greater compassion
‘HELP THOSE IN NEED’: MESSAGE OF DR SENTAMU’S LAST FESTIVE SERMON
THE ARCHBISHOP of York called for greater compassion for the poverty-stricken and those most in need as he conducted his final Christmas Day sermon before he steps down from the role he has held for nearly 15 years.
Dr John Sentamu made the impassioned plea at York
Minster yesterday, reflecting on how Jesus Christ’s own humble beginnings were an indication of how society should focus more on those in the direst need.
The Archbishop’s Christmas Day sermon was his last before he retires from the Church of England’s second highest position, after assuming the role in 2005.
He said: “The birth of Jesus wedded heavenly glory and earthly poverty.
“Consequently, no one dare despise the poor, the needy, those on the margins of society, since the Son of God was born in a stable and cradled in a feeding trough.”
He used a farewell Christmas address published in The Yorkshire Post on Christmas Eve to appeal for unity as he praised Yorkshire people for the “care and compassion” that they show to those in need or distress.
Both that address and yesterday’s Christmas Day sermon have given a clear insight into Dr Sentamu’s objectives in his final months as the Archbishop of York, as he calls for a more united and caring society.
During yesterday’s service at the Minster, Dr Sentamu drew parallels between the nativity scene and how modern society should look towards helping those less fortunate.
The Archbishop, who will be succeeded by Stephen Cottrell, the Bishop of Chelmsford, in the summer, said: “The King of Glory stoops to the lowest and at the same time gloriously uplifts the lowly (Joseph and Mary) and those on the margins (the shepherds), to share his glory. Glory and humility, meekness and majesty! So let us adore Him.
“The shepherds give a perfect example of a faithful response to God’s intrusion in our lives.
“These risk takers teach us that the good news isn’t to be kept for ourselves. Go and tell joyfully that the saviour is nearer than our breath.”
The theme of Dr Sentamu’s message was mirrored in the Archbishop of Canterbury’s own Christmas Day Sermon.
Justin Welby used his sermon to reflect on the maltreatment of society’s most vulnerable, as well as the impact of violence at home and abroad, including the London Bridge terror attack last month.
He told worshippers at Canterbury Cathedral that darkness is a “monster that lies” before referring to the killings of 25-year-old Jack Merritt and 23-year-old Saskia Jones by Usman Khan.
He also highlighted that the message of Jesus Christ was first revealed to the poorest, adding: “He did not come to the wealthy”.
The spiritual leader of the Church of England said: “When we neglect the poor, the weak, when we judge those different to ourselves rather than love, when we do things to people – not with them – we defy the example of the light of life, Jesus himself, who in love came to them, with the poorest and most vulnerable.”