Faith in the Community: Variety of Christmas styles for different people
by the Rev Max Cross, rector, Bedhampton
I was recently at a performance of the Tina Turner musical when I overhead someone talking behind me.
She was telling a friend about her local church’s traditional Christmas carol service. She was looking forward to it, but complained that the new vicar had made it “a little too godly” last year.
She had no idea a confused church leader was sitting in front of her, wondering how a celebration of Jesus’s birth could possibly mention God too much. And I had to stifle a laugh when the show opened with Tina Turner’s father – a preacher – singing a gospel song.
But did she have a point? My family didn’t go to church, so I remember how strange it was to enter a church for the first time. Most people’s impressions of Christmas are Santa, presents, family and snow – with only a brief mention of baby Jesus.
I understand that Christmas isn’t an exclusively Christian celebration. And I don’t think Jesus minds either. When he lived on Earth, he actually got more uptight about those who claimed to be religious but didn’t display love. So I think he’s much more bothered about seeing God’s love being spread throughout our communities.
Let’s be real: walking into a church building is a brave think to do, if you’re not familiar with it. So we definitely don’t want you to feel any more uncomfortable about stepping over the threshold. That’s one reason why we celebrate in lots of different styles.
If you find the Christmas Eve Midnight Communion a little formal, then I’m pretty sure the Live Nativity with real animals won’t be. If your child won’t cope sitting still at the Carols by Candlelight, then dress them up as a shepherd and bring them to the Christmas Eve Nativity.
When we pray the Lord’s Prayer, we ask for “God’s Kingdom to Come”. I believe that’s a vision of God’s love being shared for all. In Bedhampton, if we are a genuine community, that does mean there should be something for all at your local community church.
I am grateful for my unknown friend at the theatre who reminded me that Jesus is for everyone, and not just those who are comfortable with church-y stuff.
In my book, a Christmas spent celebrating in our local community is Simply The Best! Why don’t you find out for yourself this Christmas?
ST THOMAS’ CHURCH, Bidbury Lane, Bedhampton, PO9 3JG (Sunday 9.00am, Wednesday 9:30am)
ST NICHOLAS’ CHURCH, Belmont Grove, Bedhampton, PO9 3PU (Sunday 10.30am)
Visit www.Bedhampton.church for more information