A Pastoral Letter from Dr Eleanor Sanderson, Bishop of Hull.
If we knew that Jesus, in person, was coming to Wembley Arena for a one-week residency, what do we think would happen? Would the internet crash in the overwhelming demand for tickets? Would the whole country go crazy in activity and desire? Or….not. I really don’t know. But it is something that I sometimes wonder.
Over this last year we have seen frenzy erupt in our country when ‘big names’ visit or announce that they will be present, performing, available to be seen in person and experienced. Each time it has made my heart a little sad, wondering whether there is a similar hunger for God in our communities. And if so, why this isn’t always reflected in our church attendance? One of my most sobering experiences of Advent was spending Advent Sunday in a little church on the shores of Lake Galilee, in a simple Eucharist service with the regular local congregation of around a dozen. My hunger to be near Jesus, and to encounter Jesus, had finally found fulfilment in being able to physically stand on this land where his own feet had walked. And yet I found myself in such a humble and small gathering at such a holy time of the year in a place so central to the life of our Holy one of God. It sharpened my sense of how important it is to pray and commit to sharing Christ’s story in our world. Whether this Christmas we celebrate with huge crowds in packed venues, or with a small, faithful and humble community, God is with us. When we come together in worship this Christmas, we will meet Jesus. Jesus is alive and his living presence awaits us all the time. Each encounter with our Living God changes our life; we live in Christ’s ongoing story and we become Christ’s story.
I am sure Jesus would be amazing and dynamic, an utter joy to see at Wembley, but isn’t it wonderful to know that it is more in keeping with our nativity for Jesus to be sat in the back row of a humble forgotten place, waiting to offer fresh solace, or fresh dynamic life-changing inspiration or instruction to a sincere heart who wishes to seek him – particularly those without the resources to ever buy a grandstand ticket. The remarkable Christmas story is a story still being lived and experiences all around the world every day:
“So God imparts to human hearts the blessings of his heaven: no ear may hear his coming, but in this world of sin, where meek souls still receive him, still the dear Christ enters in.”
This Christmas may the Christmas story be our story again, and may we sincerely pray and serve God together for the nativity of Christ’s welcome in the hearts and homes of all our communities and streets.
