Tuesday 22nd December 2020: Advent Reflection: Bryan Long

'Why should the devil have all the best tunes'  asked the Methodists towards the end of the 18^th century, as they began to enjoy hymn singing, and the founder of the Salvation Army made the same comment in the 1880's.

So, what do we make of this in store poster campaign running in John Lewis stores during Christmas ? Is it a case of 'how dare they, that is our patch ? ' Or might we gently nod in semi-approval, it must be good that people are are getting a little close to some of those things we church people have been saying for some time. We might say that the more people approach the big things in life, then the better for all of us, more the merrier indeed !

They are not bad calls in this poster. Who can deny that more thoughts about people can lead to wider perceptions, or that giving more time to people can bring more understanding about each one of us ?  No one can dispute that when we are touched in these ways, then big differences in how we live can follow ?

But what is missing from this poster, and the important things which it is not suggesting ?

We want to talk about the time of Advent, when we wait for the coming of the Lord, for things coming and things promised. We want to talk about the themes we find in these days of waiting, those of hope, peace, joy and love. We can celebrate a life found in the manger in Bethlehem, and then think on a sacrifice made on a cross.

And, by the way, we are thinking of so much more love, more than just a
little more !