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It's that time of year again: reality talent show season. Millions of us will be glued to "The X factor" and "Strictly Come Dancing". The hopefuls sing or dance their hearts out and then have to endure what 'proper' singers and dancers handily avoid: a panel of judges. The judging moment can make great TV. There are tensions and tears, joy and surprises. Sometimes the comments are just plain nasty though often they have a ring of truth about them. You've got to respect the resilience of the contestants who make themselves so vulnerable each week. But there can only be one winner, and others bite the dust every Saturday, when the phone votes come in.
Imagine if life were like that. You parked your car and then a panel of judges marked you out of ten for precision. Or you shared a joke with friends in the pub, and then the rest of the group proceeded to tell you why it wasn't funny. It's good that life isn't like that... but can we be so sure that it isn't? Okay, we might not have Simon Cowell lurking around us at every turn, but many of us struggle with a regular sense of judgement. In fact, there are some of us who can't seem to block out the persistent nagging comments that while not necessarily heard with our ears, are deafeningly loud in our heads. "You are stupid", "You're too fat/thin/tall/short". "You are a loser and you are destined to fail". If you hear this sort of stuff then join the club. Millions like you struggle with a sense that they are worthless or that there is something wrong with them. They dance their hearts out in this life, but keep getting 2's.
We tend to listen to what's important to us. You know that even in a noisy and busy street, the sound of coins hitting the ground gets everybody's attention. I wonder if we might listen out to the voice of a different judge who is saying something to us this Christmas. It's a voice that speaks the truth because the one who speaks it invented truth! And he says "Come to me, all who are weary and I will give you rest". A baby in a manger speaks more loudly that you might think. It's not just a sweet image for Christmas cards and Advent calendars. It's the statement of a God who said, "I care enough for you to send my son to live and die so that you can be made new". And we do need to be made new. Let's face it, when it comes to dancing the life God has called us to dance, we often have two left feet! But He's here to guide, forgive and teach us a better way. And this is no judge that sits aloof on a panel and spouts abuse. It's a loving King who Ôtakes to the floor' with us. If you're interested, why not get in touch, or join us for our service such as our Carols by Candlelight, Sunday December 17 6pm. Regular Sunday Services at 10:30am.
www.lcbc.ik.com (01727) 825450, laws@mail.adsl4less.com
Church News:
I've been working as the Student Minister of the Baptist Church on Kings Road for over 2 years now. This means I've been working at the church part time while also training to be a Minister. Recently I was very pleased to accept an invitation from the church to stay on as the full time Minister from July 2007 when my training is complete. It's great to be serving God here and making our home in London Colney.
Peter Laws
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