We were given a fantastic welcome tonight at Priscilla's Tea Room where Tim and Mandy had prepared a fascinating comparison of the different narratives presented by Luke and Matthew in the gospels.
Luke frequently emphasises the care and interest that Jesus showed to outsiders, so it comes as no surprise to read his account of shepherds as the first visitors to the infant Christ. Shepherds were often regarded as disreputable an untrustworthy - partly due to their nomadic lifestyle. And they were certainly treated as "outsiders" - yet it was to them that the angels appeared, proclaiming "good news of great joy". The shepherds quickly spread the account of what they had seen, and returned "glorifying and praising God".
Matthew, on the other hand, draws attention to the visit from wise men known as Magi. These Gentile men were probably astrologers from East of Jerusalem, skilled at interpreting dreams. They could well have travelled from Persia or Arabia. Matthew, of course, frequently emphasises the Jewishness of Jesus, so the fact that he highlights this visit from Gentiles is significant. In a sense, they, too, were "outsiders" and their arrival at the manger proclaimed the opening out of good news to all people.
Immediately, two carols sprang to mind: "While shepherds watched their flocks by night...." and "We three Kings of Orient are, bearing gifts we traverse afar".
At Priscilla's tonight were reminded that both the shepherds and the wise men came to visit the Christ-child and pay their homage and worship. And while the shepherds probably had nothing of any substance to bring by way of gifts, the wise men laid out their treasures of gold, incense and myrrh.
How often during his short life among us Jesus protected the "outsiders", the weak and the vulnerable. For him, no-one is outside the scope of his love. And he calls us today to follow in the same way - to speak for the oppressed, the vulnerable and the endangered and to be builders of his Kingdom in which love and grace is extended to all. That is what we, as Christian believers, are meant to be about.
Few people leaving Priscilla's tonight could avoid being challenged by the message in the two stories. Despite their apparently contrasting emphases, they both affirm the inclusion of "outsiders" in God's plans and his merciful provision for our souls.
Well done Priscilla's - they've been great supporters of our church and we are delighted with their presence in our community! Tonight they were collecting for the charity Jigsaw4u, working to support children and young people through trauma, loss and bereavement. You can find more about them on jigsaw4u.org.uk. They will be having another Christmas event on Saturday - the Mini Christmas Bazaar between 11am and 3pm.
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