The camera zooms in on Dorothy’s borrowed ruby slippers as she repeats the mantra “there’s no place like home” and wishes herself returned to Kansas - back on the other side of the rainbow and away from the Technicolor world of Glinda and the Wizard of Oz. How often we long for home – especially at this time of year. A log fire centred home, full of peace and goodwill, the smell of warmed mince pies and the shining joy of presents exchanged. For many such a dream is as unlikely as a world of munchkins and witches who can be defeated by a bucket of water.
The writer of Luke’s gospel in the Bible tells the story of Mary and Joseph who were rejected from their family home. The “Inn” (with no room for them) doesn’t refer to a pub but to the “upstairs living quarters” of the family home in Bethlehem. The writer has them sent downstairs with the animals – not good enough for the family upstairs who were aware of what the neighbours might be saying about Joseph and his pregnant girlfriend…. Christmas begins with a story of those who wish they had a “home”.
This year in our church services we will be hearing stories from the Children’s Society. Stories about those in the UK who long for a home this Christmas. We’ll also hear stories from Christian Aid as we remember the world’s countless people who long to be able to find themselves safe in a home. We’ll think about our response – not least by collecting through Carol singing in Winton and Moordown and at Church on December 17th.
We’ll have a service to remember those whom we no longer have in our homes, who have passed on – our “Blue Christmas Service” - on 11th December at 6pm. This is a chance to be thankful and remember as we miss them in our Christmas homes. On the afternoon before this we have a chance to be at home together at our parish Christmas party at 3:30pm – all welcome, please sign up in St John’s or at Messy Church.
Unlike Joseph’s family, at St John’s we’re not ashamed of being seen with anyone – everybody is welcome. Our Christmas services are a home for anyone who wants to join us – just like all of our services and events.
We’ll even make you feel at home if you’re not wearing ruby slippers……
