Dear Friends
London buses are to carry an advertising slogan, “There is probably no God – stop worrying and enjoy your life.” Note the word “probably”. Unbelievers can’t prove that there is no God any more than believers can prove God’s existence.
Apparently the atheist advertising campaign is in response to religious groups who threaten eternal punishment for unbelievers. If I thought God was a cruel tyrant intent on punishing people and spoiling our enjoyment of life, I might warm to the advert! I believe in a God of love, as revealed in Jesus, who came that we might have life in all its fullness (John 10:10). Trying to frighten people into believing does the Christian cause no good. That’s not to say we can ignore the problem of sin, but repentance brings assurance of forgiveness and freedom from guilt, and that is truly liberating.
December sees the biggest celebration of the year, with most of the population sending cards, exchanging gifts, putting up decorations, enjoying good food and drink, attending dinners, dances, concerts, parties and all kinds of special events. In short having fun. Why? Because it’s Christmas. Some people of other faiths or of no faith exchange greetings and gifts at Christmas. Many respect the Christian Church, even if they don’t believe the same things about Jesus that we do. There may be a lot of people who are not sure what they believe. Many do not attend a place of worship very often. So perhaps Christmas is just an excuse to party! If so, why are many of our churches full to capacity for carol services during December, and on Christmas Eve? I find that puzzling, if there is probably no God. It’s also interesting that in these days of declining church attendance there are many people who claim to be Christians – including 71.8% of the population in the Borough of Rushcliffe according to the National Statistics website. I find that inconsistent with the assertion that there is probably no God.
At Christmas we celebrate the birth of Jesus. One of his names is “Emmanuel” meaning “God with us” (Matthew 1:22). There are Christians in all our parishes who believe that there is a God, and that God is with us. We have a personal relationship with God through Jesus. We are not worrying and we are enjoying life. If you would like to experience the fullness of life that Jesus offers, ask someone who knows Jesus to introduce him to you.
Wishing you a joyful Christmas Glynis Hetherington
Monday, 24 November 2008
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