A thought from the Bishops of Kilmore, and John Rutter’s new carol – All Bells in Paradise by King’s College Choir
A thought
The story is told of a king who was wealthy beyond measure. At the same time, however, he sincerely strove to be rich spiritually as well. One night the king was wakened from sleep by a fearful noise on the roof above his bed. Alarmed, he shouted: ‘Who’s there?’ “A friend,” came the reply from the roof.SK0-003
“I’ve lost my horse.” Annoyed by such stupidity, the king shouted: “You fool! Are you looking for a horse on the roof of my royal palace?’ “You fool!” the voice from the roof answered. “Are you looking for God in silk clothing, and lying on a golden bed?”
When God came into our world he didn’t come in silk and gold. Christ was born in a manger. He came into the world as a helpless child, of poor parents, in a shed shared by animals. The first to find God on this earth, after Mary and Joseph, were the humble shepherds. When the Magi looked for Christ in the royal palace in Jerusalem they didn’t find him. They found him when they followed the star to the stable at Bethlehem…
… There’s a striking prayer which goes to the heart of what Christmas and Epiphany is about. It’s about God taking on our human flesh – what we call the Incarnation. In the prayer God says:
“I am not made of plaster, nor of stone, nor of bronze. I am living flesh throbbing, suffering. I am among men [and women] and they have not recognized Me. I am poorly paid, I am unemployed, I live in a slum. I am sick, I sleep under bridges, I am in prison. I am oppressed… And yet I said to them: ‘Whatever you do to My brothers [or sisters]… you do to Me.’ That’s clear! The terrible thing is that they know it, but don’t take it seriously.”
– From the joint Christmas message of the Bishops of Kilmore
A prayer
Bright Morning Star,
your light has come,
and the birth of Jesus
has overwhelmed us with joy.
Like the magi of long ago,
may we be drawn to you
and offer you such gifts as we are able. Amen.
Some music
John Rutter: All Bells In Paradise .98-367
Choir of King’s College