We do not need to leave anything outside when we come to a church on Christmas Day, and we really do need to come.
Mary’s child was born into a world that was no stranger to violence, famine, disease, poverty, unemployment, death.
I am afraid, although for many Away In A Manger is a favourite Christmas carol, I simply cannot sing the line “the little Lord Jesus no crying he makes”.
The only Jesus we know wept, grieved, knew hunger, thirst and fear. In our churches, you will not find slick answers.
Jesus did not change hard stones of sorrow into loaves of beautiful bread.
But he has shown he can accompany us always and everywhere. His promise abides “with you always”.
In His name and only in the truth of His story, I may say to all without exception – Christmas joy be yours.
