Banksy Christmas present

I have always loved Banksy's work which aims to provoke a reaction from its onlookers. Banksy's latest Christmas present is no exception. Have a look at the link below to see what I mean as he helps us to think about the true meaning of Christmas, minus the corruption that can be found around us, including in the Church itself.

Banksy artwork takes a swipe at church abuse | Christian News on Christian Today

I wish I lived in a world where the church was free from sexual, emotional, physical and spiritual abuse but I don't. Church reflects the problems of society and is made up of people from that same society. Christ seeks to bring light to the darkness. May he bring light to the corruption that exists in our churches and in our imperfect lives this Christmas.


A couple of years ago I went to a Banksy exhibition in Bristol.  Here is another of his...

Christmas

It is so hectic this time of year its a wonder that anyone has time to stop and think about the real meaning of Christmas and to gaze in wonder at the Christ-child.  Christmas has become for many about presents and an excuse to get drunk.  As I rush around preparing for Christmas services and visiting those who are housebound and sick I wish the world would slow down, just for a moment.  I bought a present for a little girl who is currently in hospital a few days ago, a monkey that laughed when you tickled it.  I put it in a bag with some tambourines that I had bought for church.  Every time I knocked the bag the sound of laughing and rattling could be heard, much to the amusement of me and my fellow shoppers.  I was still laughing along with the monkey some hours later.  Unfortunately the monkey made the little girl cry, but that's another story. 

As I reflect on the birth of Jesus this Christmas I pray that you will find time in your busy schedule to stop and do the same.  I hope that your Christmas will contain fun and laughter and many blessings in wonderful and unexpected ways.

 

Its been some time since my last confession

My first year of ministry has been rather hectic so I have not really had time to blog.  Hopefully I will get back in the swing of it again soon.  I was encouraged recently by one of my deacons telling me that her friend had been reading my blog and suddenly realized who I was.  At least I know my words have not been completely wasted. 

We had a great week of prayer a couple of weeks ago.  Everyone was encouraged to try as many sessions as they could and to try different ways of active praying, such as, praying through art, praying through walking, praying through music, and praying through writing.  Here is my contribution from the day on writing.  God does speak in some mysterious ways - here is my confession, however, I would point out I have never done drugs....!

Its been sometime since my last confession.

I don't know how long its been.

I know I missed the bus last week and shouted out and screamed.

If only I'd have been on time.

If only that man from number forty-nine hadn't made me read that sign.

What was he trying to tell me?

What was he trying to say?

'Keep off the grass' it read.

Its been sometime since my last confession.