A Message from Rev Jonathan Dowman
THIS CHRISTMAS, I wonder what exciting present will be sitting under trees across the world, taken from some form of action or superhero movie, but why are such movies about super heroes so popular? Superman, Spiderman, the X Men, Batman, to name a few, all save humanity from one disaster or another, from planes falling out of the sky to villains bent on money, power, world domination, or worse! In each story, humanity needs saving as it is powerless against some kind of foe. While sometimes it is unaware of the danger and our hero fights away in the background, in other movies people actually cry out to be saved - remember the searchlight of the old Batman series piercing the night sky calling for his aid?
Pretty soon after the movie comes the merchandise. Lunchboxes, pencils and pens, watches and stickers, the DVD and most importantly the 'action figure!' That's right you too can re-enact and be part of saving the world, from the comfort of your own home!
So.. why shouldn't the church get in on the act? Recently I saw the figure below in a well known stationer in Cambridge. An advert for it on the internet reads:
Jesus Action Figure!
"Everyone has a different take on Jesus. Muslims saw him as a prophet; Buddhists say he was enlightened; Hindus consider him an avatar (the incarnation of a deity in human form) while Christians hail him as the Son of God. But, wherever your theological compass points, you will agree that this is the coolest action figure since G.I. Joe. Each hard plastic Jesus Action Figure stands 5" tall with poseable arms to reach toward the heavens and wheels in his base for smooth gliding action. Comes in our illustrated package with biblical quotes on the back."
Now you may find this, unbelievable, humorous or even offensive, but I can assure you that the makers of this figure have created it in all seriousness.
However, this hero is quite unlike other heroes in a box. Re-enacting the triumphs of a saviour from the comfort of one's own room through a, '5 inch figure with 'poseable'arms', simply doesn't work. Why? Because it assumes that he is either fictitious or dead; someone whose legacy can only be lived out in boxed form.
Christians believe that born 2000 years ago, Jesus lived (quite literally) a superhero's life, carrying out miraculous deeds. He was executed aged 33, yet unlike any other hero, fictional or otherwise, he rose again three days later and people put their faith and hope in him today, calling out in prayer and praise, believing that he answers them - often, ironically from the comfort of their own living room or as a regular part of everyday life! Surely a saviour so full of life makes mockery of his boxed double.
So why should this matter at this time of year; the season of 'peace and goodwill' to all people? Well, one question is prevalent: does the world still need a saviour? We need look no further than the reality of war, terrorism, poverty, crime and climate-change to realise that the answer is: 'yes'. But more than this: do we personally need to be saved? A death in the family, illness, family break up, financial concerns, depression; sometimes we all hope for someone who could spare us, help us and save us. We all have a choice to make: the predictability and convenience of the boxed hero or a relationship with the living saviour: Jesus Christ.
As the carol proclaims, the 'Lord has come,'we can 'receive the King'and the 'Saviour reigns!'God's hero is here and This Christmas we all have the opportunity to meet him for ourselves. Why don't you come along to any of our Christmas services to find out more..