…the BBC are running a four-part drama ‘The Nativity’, “revealing the human story beneath the classic biblical tale, from the courtship of Mary and Joseph in Nazareth to the birth of Jesus in a Bethlehem stable”. The programs are BBC One on at 7pm and start this coming Monday…would be worth a watch!
The Mac currently have an installation by Riza Shaheen. As part of this installation there are a number of photos that are displayed like that above that have left me feeling uncomfortable.
Initially this was due to there content and the sense of distortion that they depicted…if I am honest there was part of me that wanted to have the images removed.
However this initial feeling of discomfort was nothing compared to what I felt on discovering the overall title of Shaheen’s work ‘Prodigal Son – traces of a disciple astray’.
The Prodigal Son is a story told by Jesus about two sons. The main son in the story seems to be the younger son who wishes his Dad dead and asks for his inheritance now, goes off and lives the high life but then loses everything and so returns to his Father, who welcomes Him back. The story then ends by focusing on the older son who has always been with His Father and the fact he does not believe his brother should be welcomed back. Jesus leaves the story with the emphasis on the older son.
Back to my response…as I saw the title I was undone, exposed, convicted as I realised the images revealed me as the ‘older son’ in the story!
Prodigal at it’s very core means ‘reckless extravagance’ which is what sums up how the younger Son in the story is, however it also points to who God is, as depicted by the Father in the story. God is a prodigal God one who is reckless in extravagance which is revealed at Christmas in the gift of His Son Jesus!
The birth of Jesus was announced with extravagance by Angels that His birth means joy for the whole earth as Jesus welcomes everyone to offer peace, wholness to our brokenness.
…Christmas reminds me that Jesus never states remove them he always declares welcome, I am testimony to that fact…
…I am left thankful to Shaheen for his images and changed once again by the amazing news of Jesus birth that causes me to declare welcome!
…we will be continuing to ‘unwrap hope’ as we look at a ‘hope declared’. The meeting will start at 10.15am for refreshments for a 10.30 start at the MAC in Cannon Hill Park.
…this Sunday at 6.30pm in the Foyle Suite at the MAC. A fantastic evening of traditional carols, performance songs, story telling & spoken word. Featuring special guests Annamation and the University of Birmingham Gospel Choir. One not to miss!
…This year our Christmas Carol service will be taking place on Sunday 5th December at the Mac in Birmingham at…
…10.30am A family friendly carol service exploring the theme of ‘hope unwrapped’
…6.30pm Exploring the theme of hope unwrapped through Carol’s, spoken word, story telling and performance songs. We are delighted this year to have guest appearances from University of Birmingham Gospel Choir and Animation.
