A Christmas message from Pastor James Gregory of Crediton Congregational Church

THE Christmas story is a very emotive one.  We hear about a young woman, pregnant, and having to leave home - seeking refuge in a foreign town.

There are poor shepherds, strange visitors from the east, “no vacancies” signs, angels, a baby born at an inconvenient moment.

Matthew, the gospel writer, told us that this baby, Jesus, was going to save his people.

At times it feels like we live in a world in dire need to salvation.

We need saving from war and terrorism, from famine and sickness, from global warming and natural disasters, from bigotry and prejudice.

And what kind of saviour can Christmas offer us?

A baby, in a stable of all places, born to ill-prepared parents.  We were hoping for someone a bit more like Superman!

But the shock of such an unexpected Saviour teaches us some important things about the God who sent Him:

“The God who saves by becoming one of us is the God who refuses to indulge our illusions that peace is won through control, manipulation, and violence.  Rather God comes to us as a baby, vulnerable and susceptible to the world’s fearsome grasp for power,” writes Stanley Hauerwas.

Perhaps what we most need to be saved from is the idea that we can change things for the better by wielding power and by threatening violence.

The nativity shows us that God’s way of salvation is in weakness and vulnerability.