The unexpected

WE HAVE been preparing for the last few weeks for this great Christmas season. Carol services, live nativity scenes, Christingle services and of course mince pies and mulled wine a plenty.

The nearer we have come to the ‘big day’ the more rushed we seem to have become. Have I got all I need? Will those last minute deliveries arrive on time? Even the local traffic seems to be a little heavier. We worry about all we have to do. We can get completely caught up in the tinsel and the shopping.

But what of the story of God’s great gift? As we have heard so often as our Christmas drama unfolds there is something wonderful to ponder. “And suddenly with the angel there was a great throng of the heavenly hosts, praising God and singing: Glory to God in the highest heaven and peace to all who enjoy His favour” We are about to celebrate with great joy the event we have been preparing for during the last four weeks. Slowly we journeyed together listening to the story of great love unfold. We were asked to prepare a way for the coming Saviour. During these last days our attention focuses on that awaited Saviour, Emmanuel, our God with us.

While we rejoice in the mystery of the incarnation we are called join with the shepherds in that lowly stable.

This unexpected home for beasts of the fields becomes the place where the salvation of all people begins.

So let us be challenged again this year.

May the blessings of the Christ child be with us all this year to enlighten our minds to how great our God is. Father David O’Sullivan is the parish priest of Corpus Christi Church, writing on behalf of Churches Together in Wokingham