The Nativity crib on Streatham Common, south London At every Christmas since 1956, a nativity scene has been on display in my local community, in Streatham Common, south London. The crib was the idea of Albert Steiert and John Taylor, both members of a local catholic church, who were concerned that the true meaning of Christmas… Continue reading Christmas is not cancelled: the Streatham Common crib controversy
‘No one too lowly, no one too important’: Jesus’ birth breaks barriers of race, class & culture
Text of a talk by Eman Tabbasum, aged 16, at Streatham Baptist Church on 14th December When Jesus was born, God didn’t choose the mighty or the powerful to welcome Him. Instead, he chose people from opposite ends of society: the shepherds and the wise men. God brought them both to Jesus and their inclusion… Continue reading ‘No one too lowly, no one too important’: Jesus’ birth breaks barriers of race, class & culture
“If you charge me, I’m going to bring 50 homeless people here to eat the meal I have paid for”
A few Christmases ago, when I was running a homeless charity in the West End of London, we took a phone call from a businessman that I will never forget. He was due to host a major Christmas event for 50 colleagues and clients in a prestigious local member’s club. A number of guests were… Continue reading “If you charge me, I’m going to bring 50 homeless people here to eat the meal I have paid for”
The blog in my own eye
"Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?" Jesus, Matthew's Gospel 7:3 If I blog with sparkling wit and powerful prose, but do not have love, I am just a blaring horn or a screech on a blackboard. If I… Continue reading The blog in my own eye
The Polar(isation) Express: reflections on Tommy Robinson’s carol concert
My article on Tommy Robinson’s Christmas carol service created all kinds of responses. BBC Radio 4 and The Times Radio got in touch and the organisation Stand Up to Racism asked me to speak at their counter-demo on Whitehall held just before Tommy Robinson’s event. Criticism But as with any widely read article, I also… Continue reading The Polar(isation) Express: reflections on Tommy Robinson’s carol concert
Tommy Robinson’s Carol Concert: show naïve grace or face the ugly truth?
The far-right campaigner, Tommy Robinson, real name Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, claims to have become a Christian in prison. And this Saturday, his Unite the Kingdom movement has organised a Christmas Carol service in Whitehall. John Clifton wrote thoughtful article about Robinson's challenge to the church about how it engages men. He did not approve of Robinson… Continue reading Tommy Robinson’s Carol Concert: show naïve grace or face the ugly truth?
The gift of honest feedback – by Tim Ling
Photo by Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels.com Advent is a season of waiting, a time when the Church pauses, not in passive resignation, but in hopeful expectation. We wait for light to break into darkness, for God’s Word to take flesh, for the world to be remade. Advent teaches us that waiting is not wasted time;… Continue reading The gift of honest feedback – by Tim Ling
‘I need money for a hostel bed’: how do we respond to such appeals?
Photo by Timur Weber on Pexels.com For many people living or working in towns and cities, being asked for money is an everyday experience. It can often cause feelings of distress, guilt and confusion - especially at this time of year. Last week I was on the underground platform at King's Cross in London and… Continue reading ‘I need money for a hostel bed’: how do we respond to such appeals?
Responding to Tommy Robinson’s Christmas rally – by Al Barrett
Revd Dr Al Barrett is Vicar of Hodge Hill Church, Birmingham. He has contributed to a new resource: Joy for All: Supporting churches to respond to the co-option of Christmas by the far right The sharp end People in my parish find themselves on the sharp end of national politics. Our area has been economically… Continue reading Responding to Tommy Robinson’s Christmas rally – by Al Barrett
Pain & happiness: the magnifying effect of Christmas
Last year the animated family film That Christmas written by Richard Curtis was released. A line in the film really struck me: “I always think that Christmas is a bit like an emotional magnifying glass. If you feel loved and happy, Christmas will make you feel even happier and more loved. But if you feel… Continue reading Pain & happiness: the magnifying effect of Christmas
Grace + Truth 