The Christmas Sermon
The church was not far away as he set off for the walk
Hope high in his thoughts as the snow continued to fall
Wondering if promise came with the seasonal talk
Was this really to be a time of good will to all
Boots tied with string
Jeans worn through with holes
His coat had seen better days
Unshaven and face half-hidden
A small dog in tow
As he shuffled through the streets
The ancient church was the pride of the community
Stained glass that had been brought from afar
Where worshippers would bow down with humility
Above the great oak door there hung a star
A place upon the steps
Worshippers would soon be along
Shivering beneath his coat
The dog sits by his side
Waiting and anticipating
Perhaps shelter for the night
The first cars arrive and families well-dressed
Begin their walk carefully ignoring what they saw
Thick coats to keep them warm the very best
A voice that asked politely ‘Something for the poor?’
His hands were cupped
A polite request for alms
Pale fingers that were shaking
They looked the other way
Pretending that he was not there
Spoiling their special day
A Christmas visit from the bishop by whom they would be addressed
Dignitaries selected to read the nine lessons for the night
Mince pies to hurry home for once they had been blessed
Presents beneath the tree and the log fire’s blazing light
‘Spare a penny please’
The voice irritated them
‘Something to keep us warm’
They wished he’d go away
‘Ain’t eaten for three days’
He was spoiling their occasion
Could this be hope? A child tugs at a parent’s sleeve in vain
‘Mummy can we give the mister something ‘cos it’s cold’
The parents look at the shivering man with disdain
‘No. We don’t want to be late. Just do as you are told’
They crowd in through the door
He follows with his dog
‘Sit at the back’
The verger is quite abrupt
Some turn around to glance
‘What a cheek. Begging in a church’
They hear stories of three kings and the gifts they bring
The mayor complete with chains reads with a voice so clear
There’s a feeling of expectation in the way they sing
A silence of anticipation as the moment draws near
Their priest steps forward
The time has come
‘I’d like to introduce the most reverend our guest’
The look a little puzzled
‘Can you please step forward’
Heads turn and eyes seek out the bishop’s dress
A Christmas sermon from the bishop was not to be missed
What was this? A beggar stepping forward with a dog
There must be some mistake. Their priest was being kissed
By this very stranger, and in the house of God!!
A silence and heads bowed
How could they show their shame
For the bishop was the beggar
The man that they had shunned
They waited as he paused
Then this is how he began
‘I have given you my Christmas sermon as you now know
I introduced myself to each of you whilst I was outside
And you met my friendly dog out there in the snow
I learned so much about you that you could not hide’
He paused again and then he smiled
‘God gave me a special task
And I can see there’s work to do
To find what is really in our hearts
Which is why I chose today
A birth that tells us there is another way’
Copyright: David Hopcroft November 2020