It’s easy to miss Jesus in the Christmas story but it’s worth giving God and faith another look
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WHAT would you do if you knew the King was coming for tea?. That’s exactly what happened to us recently. We did everything to get ready with four days’ notice. The church was cleaned, decorations were put up, guest lists and security checks were done.
![[King Charles with Reverend Pat Allerton during a visit to St Peter’s Church in Notting Hill, London, to meet aid workers and volunteers]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/king-charles-iii-walks-reverend-954459474.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
Then Myleene Klass, myself and others waited until his arrival. His Majesty was visiting St Peter’s Notting Hill to celebrate the work of the Disasters Emergency Committee, of which Myleene is an ambassador. But the truth is, when the King turns up, he’s pretty hard to miss — police outriders, very grand car, entourage and cheering crowds.
![[Reverend Pat reflects on Christ's humble, unrecognised birth Christmas as Christmas approached]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3d929ee5-f4fa-4cb1-a8df-ff7219ec2f30.jpg?strip=all&w=529)
Which brings home to me afresh the shock and contrast of that first Christmas. Because the people of God had been waiting for their King for hundreds of years. They’d heard He was coming. But despite hundreds of prophecies, nobody was ready. No police outriders, no decorations, no cheering crowds. Not even any room at the inn. The Word made flesh, the King, God himself! Born in a cold, dark stable. Unannounced, unexpected, unrecognised.
Which has left me feeling anew the humility and risk of it all, that no doubt explains empty streets back then and perhaps explains empty churches today. Because the truth of it is, IT’S EASY TO MISS JESUS. Yes, a few shepherds turn up, having been told the good news by angels. Yes, some pagan star-gazing wise men arrive from the East. But among his own people, his own subjects, not a single one was found.
