Third Sunday of Advent

“the one who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he – John the Baptist”.

What a claim! What a promise!!

Advent is a time for us to refresh and to realise – to accept and make palpably real - this awesome reality.

Alive in the Kingdom of God we are children of God: members of that divine reality. My identity is generated by God’s love for me, not the clothes I wear.

It seems too good to be true but Jesus told us and tells us it is. His birthday, celebrated since probably 336CE on the ancient feast of ”The Unconquered Sun”, three days after the shortest day in the year – is a reminder of our deepest identity.

A few days ago, in Pimlico, walking on my 7000 steps, a unique experience for me occurred. A young, well-dressed man, carrying a bouquet of fresh red roses came towards me. He stopped, “take these” he said. I said “Why?”

He replied, “because I want to make life happier.” I did not think he was trying to seduce me!

Startled, I blurted out ”I am fine. Very happy. Give them to someone who is not.”

Off he went.

I subsequently discovered that he is well known and has a tiny camera on his glasses which enables him to download his encounters on his social media.

I did not have the time – or was it guts? – to admit that “I am very happy because I am alive with Yesh my best friend in the kingdom of God.”

The offering, reminding me of my inner joy, boosted my energy and I walked on faster.