before the Magi picked out their gifts they paid attention to waht was happening in the world around them to work out what to do next.
Before we begin the journey of the New Year we need to give God the gift of attention so that we may hear clearly what God is saying.
in a world that remains deaf to the song of the angels no matter how many times they come to us in our dreams what are we to do?
We must do the same as Joseph did, ‘Get up… take the child, and go.’ Just as Joseph and Mary carried the Child who then carried them in to the life after life; so must we.
For this Christmas, for our Last Christmas, and especially for that final Christmas when we will sing in tune with heaven.
We live because Christ was born amongst us.
We can depart in peace because Christ came to live among us.
The angel announces a saviour, a way of salvation, that transcends the old laws of punishment and revenge replacing it with the gentle healing touch from the hand of a baby.
Jesu is the ointment for our healing, the salve for our souls.
These are the signs of the season…
Eyes and ears are opened.
Limpers and Lepers are welcomed.
Those who seem dead to our common life are born again.
Good News is shared with those who never thought they could afford or were worthy of it.
..and we are the ones who have been called to do this.
In the end it’s not about ‘wars and rumours of war’ nor is it about ‘one person being taken and the other left’. It is about keeping our eyes on Jesus.
It is about living Advent lives, watching and waiting and working for the Return of the King.
We have a King who forgives – we are called to be a people who forgive.
We have a King who saves – we are called to be a people who offer salvation.
We have a King who is innocent – we are called to be a people who, even imperfectly…aim to live lives of purity.
We have a King who remembers – we are called to be a people who will not leave anyone out of the arms of love stretched out on the Cross.
There was a time when it was usual to draw a sharp line between religious and worldly things. That time has happily gone by. We all acknowledge more or less that all life is one.
All the honest, unselfish work of the world is God’s work.
So wash Thou me, without, within,
Or purge by fire, if that must be,
No matter how, if only sin
Die out in me.
Suffolk Vicar 