While Shepherds Watched:

“Fear not .. glad tidings of great joy I bring to you and all mankind”

Written by Mark Hackney

Many countries, have both a north and a south, don’t they? Obviously, geographically, but, they also have a north and a south where, between the two, lie different social and economic realities.

In England’s North, we have the endless levelling-up debate. Dare I mention: ‘Trains’? In Italy, there is the economically strong, affluent North [Milan, etc]. Yet, it is far more disadvantaged in the rural south. ... In fact, most countries in the Global South are characterized by low income and poor infra-structure.

God, of course, will have no truck with such regionalism, division – on whichever point of the compass it lies. ... As the Seraph’s words sing out: “Fear not, glad tidings of great joy I bring to you ... and all mankind”.

And, at this season, we can surely imagine, perhaps more vividly than ever, the power of hope that Jesus brings. Jesus preaches hope for the world; his constant messaging is one of unison, sisterhood and brotherhood. A good collective word for these things would be: ‘Love.’

Jesus is the enemy of tribalism, a factionalism with resources. In the Gospels, he readily criticizes an adherence to petty boundaries and parochial thinking.

Our wonderful carol declares Jesus ‘to human view displayed.’ And when I think of Jesus, see him in my mind’s eye, my hope is always restored that the last stanza of our wonderful carol will be acknowledged by peoples from any land who will listen:

‘All glory be to God on high, and on the earth be peace,

Goodwill henceforth from heav’n to all begin and never cease.’

Love is Jesus’ song. A love that is for everyone who will listen to the rhythm. We might well take our cue from the ‘shining throng of angels’ singing so fulsomely.