At this time of year I find myself concerned to once again encourage those who share the account of the birth of Jesus to get the facts right - or at least as nearly right as it is possible. Watching the current TV series on the Bible disturbs me as various matters are omitted while others are injected into the story line that are in contradiction to the record of scripture. If it is important for people to read and believe the Bible then it is vital that we take care neither to get the facts wrong nor to so embellish the story that it deviates from the truth. Something as profound as the coming of the Son of God into this world ought to be treated with special care.
TV, cinema and computer games present us with fantastic stories with super heroes, people possessed of special abilities, and imaginary alien creatures. I sometimes find myself wondering whether the gospel story sound like just another fantasy when we speak of a virgin birth, turning water into wine, walking on water and rising from the dead. But my anxiety is relieved when I remember that the Holy Spirit bears witness to, and convinces of, the truth.
A recent article in The Guardian newspaper revealed that children are generally not as gullible as many think. However, the research has revealed that many more children believe that Santa is real (even up to the age of 9 sometimes) than believe that Harry Potter is real. Of course, they may have a vested interest in believing in someone who can supply them with so many gifts each year! Personally, I suspect that many children continue to act as if they believe in Father Christmas even when they have realised that is just a myth.
Of course, it will always be a matter of controversy for Christian parents whether or not they play along with the Father Christmas myth. There is no evidence that going along with the myth leads later to psychological problems arising from disappointment. It genuinely seems, however, that children are capable of discerning the difference between a report about a man dressed in red who rides around on an airborne sleigh and drops down chimneys all over the world and the report of a miracle baby born in Bethlehem over 2,000 years ago. I don't have any qualms about playing Father Christmas for the children in reception calls in our local school. Children seem to be able to discern truth.
But I feel altogether comfortable when I hear, in a church context, the story of Immanuel distorted and embellished with fantasy. Mary was given an opportunity to check out the dependability of Gabriel's message having been told that her relative (unlikely to be a first cousin), Elizabeth was six months pregnant. She did so without delay and remained with Elizabeth and Zechariah for three months. Returning to Nazareth, having probably been away from Joseph, and now already three months pregnant, one can understand his initial concern.
There is no reference to Mary arriving on a donkey or of the wise men arriving on camels. It might have been more comfortable for Mary to be in a cart supported by cushions, but we don't know. There is no reference in the Bible to a stable, though there is reference to a manger. It is not uncommon in the Middle East for the living quarters to be upstairs above the equivalent of a modern-day garage. The word sometimes translated "Inn" is elsewhere in the New Testament translated as the "Upper Room" or Guest Room". It is possible that they would have headed for the home of a relative or friend but what is clear is that there was no normal accommodation for the visitors from Nazareth who had just arrived.
The Bible does not tell us that the angel and the host of angels appeared above the shepherds in the sky. There is no reference to choirs or singing. The shepherds "hurried off" to check out the angels' story so they would not have wanted to travel with sheep or deprive any young lamb of the care of its mother. And of course there is nothing in the Bible about oxen or an ass. Incidentally, that funny traditional manger depicted in many nativity plays would not be likely. A manger was usually a wall-mounted item used to provide hay for horses and donkeys and at their head height.
Since Mary and Joseph had to present Jesus at the Temple in Jerusalem (a few miles from Bethlehem but almost 100 miles from Nazareth) on the eighth day after his birth it is almost certain that they remained in Bethlehem and that the Magi (not kings and not necessarily three - just two or more) visited them in the house after that date as they fled to Egypt that night after the Magi left.
It seems to me that we have a plain choice. Either we tell the story in the way that Matthew and Luke record it for us, as part of the gospel of truth, or we wrap it up in fantasy and wonder why people don't believe. The inauspicious nature of his birth complements the wonder of his conception and the extraordinary nature of who was born that day - no mere male child but, as Charles Wesley puts it, "God contracted to a span".
Personal News this week
Doreen has ventured out to local shops a few times on her electric mobility scooter this week. I'd rather she did not do so but understand her frustration and impatience for the fractures in her spine to heal. I'm still having to do the bulk of domestic duties but Doreen is able to manage some tasks occasionally, but then needs to rest to relieve pain.
Ministry News
We were saddened to hear that Elaine Robinson died very recently. While we rejoice that she is now with the Lord and that we shall meet again, this is a sad time for those who were close to her, especially her husband, Don. Don and Elaine have been active evangelists in rural areas for many years distributing gospel newspapers. Please pray for Don.
Last Sunday afternoon I was in HMP Gartree for the Christmas Service led by the Salvation Army band and songsters from Kettering. The Prison Male Voice Choir sang one carol with the songsters and one partly written by me to a tune I composed a few weeks ago (I'd like to think it was a gift from the Lord). This was received with long and generous applause. The Salvation Army Band would like to arrange a setting for brass band, for which I am delighted. The whole service was a great blessing.
Last week I gave a wrong date about forthcoming times in prison. I shall be there on 24th and 31st but also taking the service on 29th December.
There was a good school assembly last Monday. This Sunday, the Revd John Harris is taking the meeting at Yelvertoft so I have a little rest. This Wednesday 18th I will be leading a Christmas carol event for the Senior Circle in Yelvertoft. On Sunday 22nd we have our annual "Christmas Warmer" instead of a regular service. This is built around hospitality and is very informal. Carols are chosen by our visitors and the story of Christmas will be woven between these. Sometimes doing things differently to a traditional carols and lessons helps people to listen.
Thanks to all who have sent cards or messages already, and for the many kind comments of appreciation regarding these weekly missives.
I pray the Lord will abundantly bless you.
Barry
TV, cinema and computer games present us with fantastic stories with super heroes, people possessed of special abilities, and imaginary alien creatures. I sometimes find myself wondering whether the gospel story sound like just another fantasy when we speak of a virgin birth, turning water into wine, walking on water and rising from the dead. But my anxiety is relieved when I remember that the Holy Spirit bears witness to, and convinces of, the truth.
A recent article in The Guardian newspaper revealed that children are generally not as gullible as many think. However, the research has revealed that many more children believe that Santa is real (even up to the age of 9 sometimes) than believe that Harry Potter is real. Of course, they may have a vested interest in believing in someone who can supply them with so many gifts each year! Personally, I suspect that many children continue to act as if they believe in Father Christmas even when they have realised that is just a myth.
Of course, it will always be a matter of controversy for Christian parents whether or not they play along with the Father Christmas myth. There is no evidence that going along with the myth leads later to psychological problems arising from disappointment. It genuinely seems, however, that children are capable of discerning the difference between a report about a man dressed in red who rides around on an airborne sleigh and drops down chimneys all over the world and the report of a miracle baby born in Bethlehem over 2,000 years ago. I don't have any qualms about playing Father Christmas for the children in reception calls in our local school. Children seem to be able to discern truth.
But I feel altogether comfortable when I hear, in a church context, the story of Immanuel distorted and embellished with fantasy. Mary was given an opportunity to check out the dependability of Gabriel's message having been told that her relative (unlikely to be a first cousin), Elizabeth was six months pregnant. She did so without delay and remained with Elizabeth and Zechariah for three months. Returning to Nazareth, having probably been away from Joseph, and now already three months pregnant, one can understand his initial concern.
There is no reference to Mary arriving on a donkey or of the wise men arriving on camels. It might have been more comfortable for Mary to be in a cart supported by cushions, but we don't know. There is no reference in the Bible to a stable, though there is reference to a manger. It is not uncommon in the Middle East for the living quarters to be upstairs above the equivalent of a modern-day garage. The word sometimes translated "Inn" is elsewhere in the New Testament translated as the "Upper Room" or Guest Room". It is possible that they would have headed for the home of a relative or friend but what is clear is that there was no normal accommodation for the visitors from Nazareth who had just arrived.
The Bible does not tell us that the angel and the host of angels appeared above the shepherds in the sky. There is no reference to choirs or singing. The shepherds "hurried off" to check out the angels' story so they would not have wanted to travel with sheep or deprive any young lamb of the care of its mother. And of course there is nothing in the Bible about oxen or an ass. Incidentally, that funny traditional manger depicted in many nativity plays would not be likely. A manger was usually a wall-mounted item used to provide hay for horses and donkeys and at their head height.
Since Mary and Joseph had to present Jesus at the Temple in Jerusalem (a few miles from Bethlehem but almost 100 miles from Nazareth) on the eighth day after his birth it is almost certain that they remained in Bethlehem and that the Magi (not kings and not necessarily three - just two or more) visited them in the house after that date as they fled to Egypt that night after the Magi left.
It seems to me that we have a plain choice. Either we tell the story in the way that Matthew and Luke record it for us, as part of the gospel of truth, or we wrap it up in fantasy and wonder why people don't believe. The inauspicious nature of his birth complements the wonder of his conception and the extraordinary nature of who was born that day - no mere male child but, as Charles Wesley puts it, "God contracted to a span".
Personal News this week
Doreen has ventured out to local shops a few times on her electric mobility scooter this week. I'd rather she did not do so but understand her frustration and impatience for the fractures in her spine to heal. I'm still having to do the bulk of domestic duties but Doreen is able to manage some tasks occasionally, but then needs to rest to relieve pain.
Ministry News
We were saddened to hear that Elaine Robinson died very recently. While we rejoice that she is now with the Lord and that we shall meet again, this is a sad time for those who were close to her, especially her husband, Don. Don and Elaine have been active evangelists in rural areas for many years distributing gospel newspapers. Please pray for Don.
Last Sunday afternoon I was in HMP Gartree for the Christmas Service led by the Salvation Army band and songsters from Kettering. The Prison Male Voice Choir sang one carol with the songsters and one partly written by me to a tune I composed a few weeks ago (I'd like to think it was a gift from the Lord). This was received with long and generous applause. The Salvation Army Band would like to arrange a setting for brass band, for which I am delighted. The whole service was a great blessing.
Last week I gave a wrong date about forthcoming times in prison. I shall be there on 24th and 31st but also taking the service on 29th December.
There was a good school assembly last Monday. This Sunday, the Revd John Harris is taking the meeting at Yelvertoft so I have a little rest. This Wednesday 18th I will be leading a Christmas carol event for the Senior Circle in Yelvertoft. On Sunday 22nd we have our annual "Christmas Warmer" instead of a regular service. This is built around hospitality and is very informal. Carols are chosen by our visitors and the story of Christmas will be woven between these. Sometimes doing things differently to a traditional carols and lessons helps people to listen.
Thanks to all who have sent cards or messages already, and for the many kind comments of appreciation regarding these weekly missives.
I pray the Lord will abundantly bless you.
Barry
No comments:
Post a Comment