Room at the inn?

Can't believe it's 3 weeks since my last posting - what a busy time Christmas is, eh? Well, it's Christmas Eve and everything's ready for tomorrow. Lyn's been rushing around like mad and I've chipped in every now and again (!) with a bit of emotional encouragement even if not much practical help.

Salvationists are often accused of being so busy throughout December that we miss the real meaning of Christmas. I don't know if that's true - although I would have appreciated the opportunity to go to a quiet and thoughtful service at a church somewhere tonight - to just sit, with no responsibility or part to play and simply drink in the atmosphere of Christmas Eve. Sadly, I can't. Again, for the 6th year running, I have to attend a midnight service at the Army. I don't know why we hold them - we can't do them as well as other churches. Why don't we give our folks a night of and let them bring in Christmas however they want to?

Last week I was in Sheringham to pick up my Mum and bring her to stay with us. Before we left I made my traditional pilgrimage to the sea front to look at the sea. As I wandered through the streets of the quaint town my attention was grabbed by the windows of a local pub - 'the Lobster'. There in the window was a lovely Nativity Scene, with the Holy family depicted in a stable. Seeing it there, taking pride of place in the 'Inn' came as such a contrast to the Christmas story as we know it - 'no room at the Inn'.

It reminded me that amidst all that demands my energy and attention during this Advent and holy season I must make sure there's room for Jesus.

To any who might read this and those who occasionally cast an eye towards this Blog - Happy Christmas!

King of the 'one-liners'

Yesterday a group of us from the corps rode up the motorbike show at the NEC in Birmingham. We had a fantastic day, despite having to navigate the return journey home in torrential rain. Fortunately I had bought a bright blue one-piece waterproof oversuit at the show. As the rain fell we made a stop at the services. I sneaked into the toilets to don my new suit. Discovering I should have bought an even larger one than the 2XL I had chosen, I eventually managed (with a lot of breathing in and pulling in of stomach) to squeeze myself into the bright blue outfit. Finally appearing from the toilets I was met by Keith Hall with his comment, 'what do you think you're doing - auditioning for Pan's People?' Good one, Keith!

Respect ( - a postscript)

As a follow up to my last posting (or was it a thinly veiled rant?) I report the very positive news that Princes Anne's daughter Zara Phillips received her MBE this week for services to equestrianism. The Daily Mail's reporting of the event was carried under Amanda Platell's column. Commenting on the well earned award Amanda writes 'Zara proves that the dignity of monarchy is hard earned. It is not a birthright'.

Well said!!