I was taken by a line in the message translation of the bible - 'an event for everyone'. Not part of the scripture though, it was a title for the response of the shepherds to the birth of Jesus (Luke 2:8 -20). It is obviously Eugene Peterson's - the author of 'the message' - interpretation of the Christmas story. The right one too, I think.
It is easy in christian circles to criticise all the 'secular' carol services going on in our communities. Not to mention, the santas, trees, elves and the Frank & Dino Christmas c.d's in the shopping malls. 'Put Christ back into Christmas' is a slogan we often use. But just maybe people are really looking for the Christ of Christmas but don't find him too readily in our christian communities. So the 'consumerist' one will have to do. But lets face it, don't we in the churches do exactly the same thing as we hope people will buy our product this year rather than the other church's across the road: and, yes, clergy will look at attendance figures to see whether sales are up or down this year.
As I look at people's faces as they sing carols at these 'secular' events - which I am now fond of doing - I see written on them joy, hope, peace, innocence and a longing for something mystical mixed in with the 'etchings' of life (pain, disappointment, suffering, loneliness, depression...) Christmas is for everyone because Jesus Christ is for everyone. This Christmas I'm dropping the slogans and seeking to meet people at the point of their searching. Maybe, on the other hand, the real slogan should be put Christ back into the christian churches!
Chris
