'For example, it is clear in the Christmas narratives that the One born of Mary is no merely national hero or king, but is King of all. His saving coming is for everyone, not just some. So that each time anyone tries to 'capture' him, or make him 'theirs' he refuses to be held captive and goes beyond each and every restrictive expectation. God's graciousness in Jesus makes plain that God's love and saving intent is for all, not for some. Christmas is a universal declaration of God's desires and intentions for all, for the whole planet. There is nothing small or cosy about Christmas.
'But there is a second way in which God's great graciousness in Christ made clear at Christmas needs to be realized and received, and I have wrestled with this grace myself over many years. It is this. If God's saving grace and universal love is for all, then it extends to everyone, including us, and not, as so many of us seem to believe, everyone else except us. Jesus Christ is more gracious than we expect or deserve.
'So this Christmas, if you are being too hard on yourself, if you feel that you are just so unworthy or unforgivable, remember that God in Jesus is more gracious than you can imagine, and take heart.
'Lastly, I think Jesus was greater than many expected, then and now.
'This was the experience of Jesus' disciples. After many experiences with him, one day he turns to them and says "and who do you say that I am?" Simon Peter, speaking for them all, replies, "You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God." We cannot begin to imagine what it took for a loyal, monotheist Jew to say such a thing. But it is clear that the more of Jesus they experience, the greater he exceeds their expectations.
'Often, usually, the more we know about someone the more we become aware of their failings and limitations. For example, by the end of the first week of a new year at Cliff College, students are waxing lyrical about their new friends - they are brilliant. But after three months, or three years together, they have usually tempered their judgement! But experiencing Jesus Christ works the other way round - it just gets better and better. There is always more to experience.
'So, in C.S. Lewis's Chronicles of Narnia, when the children return to Narnia a second time and meet the (Christ) lion, Lucy exclaims, "Aslan you've grown". The lion replies, "no child, you are older".
'Most of our Christmas cards will have arrived by now. But when the first card dropped through young Carol's letterbox she ripped it open eagerly as mum watched on. Carol's face fell. 'What's the matter?' asked mum. 'It's Jesus' she replied looking at the nativity scene on the Christmas card, 'he was a baby last year, I thought he'd be walking by now!'
'This Christmas, and as we approach the year of our Lord 2008, I don't know what conceptions of God in Jesus Christ you have, but I suggest you make them greater.
'A very blessed Christmastide to you all.'
