As we’ve walked round the city centre over the last year most of us will have seen ‘The King’s City’ emblazoned on the side of buses as they weave their way round the streets of Winchester.
For the bus company it is simply a nod in the direction of the halcyon days when the kings and queens of England ruled the country from Winchester. For us it carries deeper overtones of our Christian heritage.
As we enjoy the build up to another Christmas season the churches in Winchester are running their Christmas activities under a single banner: “The King’s Christmas.” At a time when many people don’t give God a second thought, they do however still love Christmas, which is why it is a great season of opportunity for us.
There are so many ways we can “make the most of every opportunity.” We can join with people from other churches at the Cathedral Christmas Market and serve for a few hours on the Church stall. Passers-by will be invited to ponder the question, “What would you do if you were King for a day?” Alternatively one of the vicars based in the town centre will be leading an evening of singing carols in the local pub!
Whilst these may be out of our comfort zone all of us can do something. Maybe we could invite neighbours round for mince pies and mulled wine after the Carol Service. Even though some may well say “no” there may be some for whom our invitation will be the only one they get. We can all make sure we share some of what God has blessed us with, whether that be our time, our money or our resources – we could help with this year’s Christians Against Poverty Christmas hampers.
If we believe that the real message of Christmas is one of “good news of great joy for all people” let’s show the world around us it really is the King’s Christmas.
Much grace,
Steve