Angels of rebellion

Salim is a colleague who leads a reconciliation ministry in Palestine/Israel. Having just visited the Shepherd's Field in Bethlehem from which he was able to look across to the mountain-tower of Herodian, he wrote to a number of us, "The proximity of the two historic locations struck me, especially given the extent to which they were interwoven in the narrative of Christ's birth. They represent two polar opposites, the political, arrogant power of Herod's palace, and the simple,rustic fields were the shepherds slept."

Salim then goes on to sugest a radical reading of Luke's gospel that I wanted to share. He writes, "Seeing these two spots also brought into sharp focus the politically subversive nature of the angel's announcement on that starry night. The angel spoke to the shepherds, saving "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be for all people." (Luke 2:10) Most people interpret this to mean that the shepherds were afraid of the angels. But I can imagine them casting a nervous glance over the angel's shoulder towards Herod's palace, knowing that he would not be happy about a 'Savior' being born in the 'city of David'. Essentially what the angel was suggesting could be perceived as an act of rebellion against the cruel reign of Herod."

So those angels were planting the seeds of rebellion were they? Sadly many Herods continue to exert their cruel influence in our world from palaces, board rooms, penthouse appartments and military bunkers. What will the song of the angels "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favour rests" (Luke 2:14) say to us this year about justice, and rebellion against evil?

Thank you Salim for starting this train of thought.

Making Room

Carol service tonight, and the church was heaving. I'm not sure what happened to the fire regulations but we had stacking chairs everywhere and a fairly challenging mix of candles, carol sheets and excited kids! But how can you turn people away from a Carol Service when its minus three outside? I was the inn keeper - or rather I read a highly adapted version of Luke's gospel in the voice of the inn keeper. That too was about 'no room at the inn' and then 'making room'.

Walking home later, under a wonderfully clear star filled sky which was allowing even those minus degrees to escape, I reflected further on 'making room'. Not so much the rather prosaic 'making room for Jesus in your heart' - mine's full of valves and sinues - but rather God making room for me. It strikes me that there was no reason at all why Father, Son and Holy Spirit could not have gone on enjoying each others fellowship throughout eternity, without all these risks of creation. The risk of creating a world that we so easily mess up, and women and men who forget their place and try to be God. But that's just the beauty of it all - with no compulsion at all, God made room for us. That's what creation is all about - God made room for us. It's like eternity was full (complete) with Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and yet God created a space for us, for me. Wow!

If mission is 'in the pattern of God's dealings with us' then mission is also about making space. Even when life is full the love of God calls us to make space for the child who is hungry, the alcoholic who smells, and the angry young man with too much money and too little sense. Years ago Michel Quoist wrote a prayer called Before you Lord in which he talks very powerfully about this 'making room' for others in our lives - as God has made room for us. Use the link and pray the prayer - I dare you.