Liverpool: Roger Davies
In the 6th form at my school we used to get free periods to study for our A levels. But I've never known a pupil actually work during a free period or a student read during a reading week for that matter. I never did!
So
called 'free' periods are aptly named as you can choose what you do with them.
I used go to the school library in mine but only to play table cricket
with friends or read the sports section of the newspaper. It was back in the
day when Liverpool FC used to win everything and I loved reading the match
reports of my all-conquering team. Two of the stars in that era were John
Barnes and manager Kenny Dalglish - my heroes!
So
how chuffed am I that in the last two months I've met both of them? First I went
to King Kenny's book signing in WHSmiths. I was so nervous and excited in the
queue - my chance to meet the living legend of Anfield. But when I met him I
think he was more nervous than me. He was a proper gentleman - all smiles and
cheeriness. At the same time what struck me was that he was very ordinary,
just like me.
Then I bumped into John 'Digger Barnes last week in a lift
outside John Lewis. He was clearly in a hurry, pushing his baby's pram and
chatting on his mobile at the same time, presumably getting instructions from
his wife about what to buy (he could have been pretending mind you just so he
didn't have to talk to me). His wife wouldn't let me get a word in edge ways
other wise he'd have got an invite to Liverpool's first ever Night of Honour.
But he too just seemed very ordinary. Baby, mobile and a bit of midlife
spread.
I
don't know whether you can devise a universal law from these two encounters but
I reckon that the more you get to know a 'hero' the more ordinary they become.
For sure they may have been incredibly gifted or talented, the reason why we idolise
them in the first place, but they still carry the same personality traits and
character fault lines as the rest of humanity. The closer you get to them the
more obvious and apparent their flaws become (just ask Mrs Dalglish I guess?).
However,
as with all universal laws, there is one exception to it. His name
is Jesus Christ. The more you get to know him the more you realise how amazing
he actually is. As you read about him you get the impression that even those
closest to him were left in awe at the way he seemed in control of every
situation and reacted so differently to human expectation. When he was faced
with 5000 hungry people and a packed lunch, he fed them all. When he was caught
in a storm on a fishing boat, he slept. When confronted with disease, he healed.
When nailed to a cross, he forgave. Our problem with him is not that he
disappoints us but that we have become over familiar with his story through
endless nativity plays and school RE lessons. But maybe this Christmas it's
time for a second look, a chance to get up close and personal and discover who
the real Jesus is. You will not be disappointed.
This
December we have a heap of events to help you do just that. On Sunday 12th December at
6pm we have our Carols by Candlelight service at the Megacentre on Vauxhall
Road with a brass band, mince pies and visit by Santa with a present for every
child. Why not see in the celebrations at our brilliant Christmas Eve family
service , at the same time in the same place on Friday 24th December.
There are
also parties galore for you and your friends. The Whizz Kids Christmas
extravaganza is on Friday 10th December, 6.00-7.30pm at the Megacentre and the
following Friday Buzz United are taking over the place for their Christmas
Cracker party from 7.30pm. The 18-30s are celebrating Christmas in style at
Hannah's Bar, 7.30pm on Wednesday 8th December (cost £10) so there is something
for everyone. Our Sunday morning services are at the Black-e for every Sunday
in December except the 26th when Church will meet at the Megacentre. So why not
come along and be a part of all the festive celebrations?
We'd love to see you
there.
Roger & Anna Davies
Congregation Pastors - Liverpool
.