Just written this for CSM and thought I’d share it here:

“I’ve been spending a lot of time reflecting recently on what it means to be alive, in this time, at this point in history, and in this nation that I live in.

Many analysts are suggesting that nowadays, where we live is much less important.  There is a lot of evidence to back up their ideas too.  Greater mobility, the increase in commuting to work and longer hours, the weakening of local community all point to this.  Increased social life, clubs and friendship connections are often far stronger links for people than the ground they live on.  Many people live in places where they barely know their neighbours.

Yet, we read in the first chapter of John’s gospel that Jesus - the universal, omnipotent, all present God - became a human being, with flesh and blood and for a while, spent time in a particular place, and a particular time in history.  His feet would have been covered with Israeli sand.  He followed local customs, was part of local culture, he was part of a place.

Like it or not, it’s our task to live in the UK in 2009.  We’ve been placed here, and each of us have a local community to which we are part of.  We also live in the UK at a time of change and we have a part to play.  We are citizens of the world too, at a time where decisions we make about our climate will be crucial for future generations.

2010 will be a year of General Election in the UK.  A national election yes, but also where local people will stand in constituencies as local candidates to be MP’s at Westminster.  Who will be standing in your seat ?  How can you get involved ?  Why has God put you where you are, at this time ?

I wanted to take some time over three verses from John 1 and to consider and pray about three words - perspective, presence and place.

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning.”
John 1:1-2

John begins his story of the nearness of Jesus, God amongst us, by telling the story from the perspective of eternity.  Before all this was made, Jesus was present.  We are playing our part in a very long story of God …. we play our part in the history of our world too.

At the time of writing this essay, it seems unlikely that the Climate summit in Copenhagen will produce any agreements.  This world that we have been entrusted, needs urgent attention.

Spend some time reflecting on the perspective of eternity, and the world that we are part of.   Maybe we are here ‘for such a time as this’ (Esther 4:13)

“The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world.”
John 1:9

The story of the incarnation celebrates the presence of God with us.  From the beginning of creation, as God walked with Adam and Eve in the garden, God has desired to be with us.  Whether in burning bush, tabernacle tent, grand temple or in the upper room as the disciples waited for pentecost.  God wants to be present with us.  Jesus embodied that presence.

Paul declares that we are ‘temples of the Holy Spirit’ now.  The presence of God is present in our towns and cities in us, through God’s Holy Spirit.

Why not pray by reflecting on this verse:

“ We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. “
2 Corinthians 5:20

“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.”
John 1:14

The creator God, in human form, came to live in a physical place.  He breathed air, he ate food, he spent time with the people around Him.

Consider the place you live in.  Consider it’s needs and problems.  This is a village, town or city where God has placed you …. why ?

Pray for the place you live in:

Pray for local issues.
Pray into the forthcoming General Election, and for the candidates standing for election.
Pray for local churches.
Pray for your neighbours.  Maybe you could even ask them if there’s anything you can pray for.

Consider that God is present where you are.  He loves where you live and loves the people you can see around you.  He has put you there.

How can we get involved ?”