A REFLECTION AT CHRISTMASTIME (Copy)

The bible says “be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46vs10) and on the 15th December last year, in my pre-dawn meditation, this is what came to me…

My heart was heavy for a number of reasons; I look at the Christmas festivities, TV programmes etc and, sadly, our Saviour and Lord Jesus Christ, is just about absent in all the media, the TV programmes, and celebrations. “Father Christmas” has become the central figure. Forgive me for saying this, it is like a pagan festival! It is all about spending money and pleasure!

However, I honour all the churches that are a light in an ever-darkening world especially at Christmastime.

But I have this against the churches, with some exceptions, they have lost the true reflection of our Lord Jesus Christ. In spite of the incredible good that has been done, in many aspects it does not reflect the life of our Lord Jesus Christ, God incarnate, sent to be the Saviour of the world.

Do the splendour of the priestly robes, the magnificent lavish buildings, the decorations in gold etc. compare with the image of Jesus in His earthly ministry? I am aware that the motive behind the magnificent cathedrals and churches is to honour God, but how does this relate to the example that Jesus gave us?

Jesus was often in conflict with the “religious” institution of His day, and I wonder what He would say to us today?

I do understand that throughout history magnificent churches were built to be a glorious tribute to the greatness of God, however, these elaborate buildings and garb of the clergy, do not reflect the love and compassion of God, especially as they, the cost of them, could have saved many lives of starving and desperately ill people.

Our Saviour Jesus Christ was not an iconic figurehead, but one who ‘saw’ the pain of the people and His whole life was dedicated, not to fame, position and pompous ceremonies, but to walk the dusty roads bringing healing of body, mind and spirit to all He met. We, and I include myself, and all the various denominations, churches, do not reflect the true image of the love of God as Jesus did.

The rich young ruler asked Jesus what he needed to be saved. Jesus perceived that he was tied to his wealth and told him to sell all he had, give it to the poor, and then to become a follower…the man could not find the strength to do that. But is this not a parable for the churches today? Is it not time to cast off restricting robes and fortified church buildings, to take the shepherd’s staff and truly, personally, engage with a world that is crying out for love and care and through that ministry (not the elaborate church ceremonies) reveal the love of God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit?

I am a nobody, but I have walked this earth for 79 years and as I reflect on all that I have heard, seen and witnessed, my heart aches; I have failed to live fully as my Saviour lived, the churches across the globe have in many ways have ‘missed the mark’, in fact some of the welfare institutions have more fully reflected the work of our Lord Jesus Christ. Is it not time for all of us, and our institutions, to walk in the footsteps of Jesus?