One of the things I have missed over the past couple of years has been the occasional trip to a campsite and then a walk in the local area. In the past, my son Sam and I have enjoyed the challenge of getting all the kit ready and then driving off on a camping adventure. Camping involves facing the challenges of the weather, the ground conditions, making sure you have remembered everything, and having an unsettled night’s sleep.  Alongside this though it is invigorating to be out of the nice protective vicarage, wonderful bed and the ease of switching on the kettle. One really enjoys being closer to nature and taking in the fresh air and viewing the night sky.  Alongside this it is lovely to chat to those who are camping close by and hear about their lives and love of camping. Finally there’s nothing better to return home and have a night’s sleep in one’s own bed.

As we draw closer to hearing again the events surrounding the birth of Jesus, the beginning of John’s gospel literally reads that God came and pitched his tent amongst us; that the creator of all that we see and experience in this wonderful universe sent his son Jesus to be born and live a human life with all its joys and sorrows for a mere 33 years. Jesus gave up the glory of heaven to come down and share in our lives and in doing so pointed us to his Father and our Father. It’s no wonder that it ‘good news’ is at the heart of Christmas when God took the initiative, sent his son Jesus to live a human life and  through his life, death and resurrection offers us a glimpse of heaven and abundant life.

Several years ago I came upon this which tries to shed light on what it must have been like for Jesus to swap heaven and live on earth…..

The Greatest Love Story ever told….

Like your landlord becoming your lodger
Like your managing director up before you for an interview
Like Beethoven queuing up for a ticket to his own concert
Like a headmaster getting the cane
Like a good architect living in a slum built by a rival
Like Picasso painting by numbers
God lived among us.

So dear friends, as we face another unsettling Christmas, take heart in the good news that God is with us in the midst of life.  No matter how dark and challenging life gets, Jesus is the light of the world and through him God offers us comfort, strength and hope. Perhaps this Christmas make room for Jesus in your heart.

Take care, stay safe and God Bless this Christmas time and into 2022    

Glenn