The day ended with me shopping for Christmas presents, in a suburb of Bethlehem, called Beit Sahour which means ‘Shepherd Fields’, in a shop that is run by a very kind man called Joseph. Of course.
Round the corner from here I had had lunch in Ruth’s Restuarant (you may remember that that the book of her name is set in Bethlehem) where the restaurant owner is called Ruth. Obviously.
The day started with a simple small apology. Someone came up to me and said ‘I’m sorry you saw myself and my friend having a disagreement yesterday evening’. I hadnt noticed (pastor radar is turned off) but i was moved by the kindness of the gesture. So I apologised to Daniel (super helpful chap behind the desk) as i thought my towel had gone missing and could i have another one and maybe the cleaner had done a half job and then i found it, where I had left it. it felt good to say sorry. I remembered an old sermon about little confessions being the way to keep the litter of a relationship sorted and not let it build up and embitter either of you.
Church was so full that they had to move the altar to let more people in.
Just before the service i interupted a woman in mid conversation intending to say – ‘are you Marie? But she spoke first: “Chris”!
I said ‘No, not Chris, but friend of Chris.’ She said “James Hollingsworth”. I was gobsmacked. I havent seen here for at least 15 years when Chris and I had been on a tour with her and had pushed the boudaries of her patience.
There is something powerful and loving about hearing your name (note to self to learn more names). And about small apologies.
Todays sermon cunningly avoided explaining the doctrine of the Trinity and instead called us to “go and make disciples” as per Matthew’s Gospel. But David Pileggi (Vicar here) explained that really this meant “as you go” or “in your ordinary life, imitate your Rabbi because holiness leads to intimacy and blessing”.
Photo is of me inside Church of the Nativity, Bethlehem, of the altar which is above the chapel which is above the cave where Jesus was born.