Fling Wide the Gates

by Revd Chris Moody, Vicar of St. Alfege Church, Greenwich

Welcome to our fifth set of Advent Windows. We are on the brink of a momentous year for Greenwich: becoming a royal borough, the London Olympics, the opening of the new pier and a fully restored Cutty Sark, the thousandth anniversary celebrations for our own saint, St Alfege, martyred here in 1012, and a major restoration appeal to keep our church building safe, attractive and accessible, all in one year.

So, in one way or another, we will be welcoming even more people to Greenwich than usual as visitors, pilgrims, guests, shoppers and permanent or temporary residents. So what better theme this year than ‘Fling wide the gates’? It could be very exciting and rewarding, but testing at the same time, depending on how ready we are, how patient and hospitable.

Opening the door is always a vulnerable moment, especially when you don’t know completely what or who you are opening the door to. What sort of difference is it going to make to my life? Will we ever be able to get back to the way things were before? Who are all these people? How are we going to cope with them all? When Christ arrived at Bethlehem they all got it totally wrong and no room was found for him at the inn. But the world’s Saviour still managed to find his way in nevertheless. Our best hope is that as we welcome the crowds of people we expect his message of hope and peace may find its way into our hearts as well.

Happy Christmas!

Rev Chris Moody