London’s Internet Church - 23/12/06

I am glad to be using this new way of communicating the Christmas message. As this 21st century opens up there are all kinds of new possibilities and I believe that there is huge promise in our wired up world.

But it is also a time of anxiety for many people. The country’s most senior scientist, Lord Rees the President of the Royal Society, questioned the other day whether we would have the wisdom to use for good the power unlocked by some of the discoveries of the 20th century in genetics and nuclear energy. There is also the common challenge of climate change and the pollution which comes from believing that we are masters and possessors of the earth rather than its stewards.

The City of London is a place which is open to the hopes and fears of all the world. We are posted at a global crossroads and news of the perils and the promise of the 21st century is constantly received here.

For many people it is hard to believe that it is rational to be optimistic. It is certainly true that we should not give in to pessimism - the luxury of those who have done well out of the past.

God’s message is “do not be afraid”. The darkness is visible in the Christmas story. The account of the birth of Jesus Christ in the Bible is far from being a cosy, sentimental tale but it speaks of God with us, of his word made flesh, of hope for the world. God does not come as legislator with an ideology but in the life of a child to melt our divisions and with the promise of peace and goodwill for all the world.

I hope that you will be able to savour the celebrations this year and enjoy the company of friends and family. I pray that all our minds and hearts may be open to the plight of those who like the Holy Family are far from home and vulnerable whether to poverty or violence.

May the hope that comes with Emmanuel - God with us keep you from fear and cynicism.

May the peace of the Christ Child be your peace.
May the faith of the shepherds be your faith.
May the strength of the wise men be your strength.
And the blessing of God Almighty be with you all everywhere. Amen.