T
he Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem – the
traditional site of the birth of Jesus – has a
surprising way in. You might expect such a large
and important building to have a large and splendid
entrance. But the door is quite small. It lets in one person
at a time. When I was there, it was explained to me that
it was made like that so that no warrior could ride a
horse into the church, or carry heavy weapons. No one
coming to the place where Christ was born should come
with weapons in their hands or war in their hearts.
At Christmas, we recall the moment when Christ was
born. We remember the stable where he was born, and
the manger in which he was laid. We come close to the
Christchild. What do we have in our hands? What do we
have in our hearts? Weapons and war? Or do we come
with empty hands, ready for Christ to fill them with his
love. Do we come with grateful hearts, remembering
all that God has done for us? Do we come peacefully,
ready to kneel at the feet of the Prince of Peace, and
willing to share that peace with those around us? Do
we come determined to make the coming year of peace?
Pray God we do.
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Christmas message from the
Dean of Worcester, the Very
Revd Peter Atkinson
TER
MAS
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