A Christmas Reflection by Rev Tony Rindl, Vicar of St Mary’s Watford
The chances are Christmas will be different for many of us this year, but the true message of Christmas remains the same. As I reflect on that timeless story of the birth of Jesus, I am struck by how much of it resonates with the plight of the homeless and refugees. Government requirements often add to the difficulties and frustrations experienced by those who are homeless. In a similar way the census held at the time of Jesus’ birth meant Mary and Joseph had no option but to go to Bethlehem. It would have been a difficult journey for someone heavily pregnant and it meant Mary could not give birth in her own home.
We all remember there is no room in the inn or perhaps more accurately there is no guest room. Mary and Joseph had to bed down amongst the animals. The baby Jesus is laid in the manger. Those who are homeless often rely on the kindness of others, but this may be limited to a sofa for a bed or perhaps a mattress in a parked van on the driveway.
It seems Jesus’ birth goes unnoticed by most people in Bethlehem. Those who did notice were the shepherds who hurried to see the Christ Child having been told of his birth by angels. The first people invited to meet Jesus are not the rich and powerful but the lowly shepherds who themselves lived a hard life tending the sheep and living in caves.
Next to visit the baby Jesus were the wise men who come from the East, foreigners, outsiders and yet welcomed by Holy Family. Shortly afterwards Mary, Joseph and the baby Jesus were forced to flee to Egypt, because of persecution. They have become refugees. It will be a long time before they can get back to that place they call home.
The Christmas story is one of God meeting us in our humanity. Not from a position of power, but one of vulnerability, a babe lying in a manger. It is a symbol of hope, of new life and a declaration of God’s love for all of humanity, identifying especially with poor and vulnerable, those who are homeless and those who are refugees.
Christmas will be different this year, but it can still be very special as we remember the timeless story of Christmas. Perhaps we can spare a thought and say a prayer for those who are a long way from home or have nowhere to call home. Please pray for New Hope and please support their work if you can. May the love, peace and joy of the Christ Child be yours this Christmas.
Rev Tony Rindl, Vicar of St Mary’s, Watford