Parents, you have the most amazing sons.

Wednesday 25th November 2015

I have really appreciated the way they have welcomed me into their College this year.


Our College. 
Our College. 

I am looking forward to strengthen these relationships in 2016 and beyond.

I’ve been pondering again these words from Luke as he retold the Christmas story.

Luke 2:12-16  New Revised Standard Version, 

This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.’ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favours!’

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.’ So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger.

Peace on earth! I write this message with ‘Stuff’ open on my phone watching for updates post Paris and hear just now about another jet shot down near Turkey. Peace on earth!

 Tui, Yeah right! 

 Yet,  just then,  an exam supervisor has just poked his head in my vestry door and reminded me that the boys here are so well mannered.

How do we reconcile the fact that peace seems so fragile and not feel guilty that we have so much here to be thankful for?

Thankfulness maybe one clue and I will speak more about that at Leavers’ Service.  Attempting to make peace with those with whom we are estranged is another,  even if it's just in our hearts.   Leaving well and finishing well, all that we may be involved in before Christmas will help the peace department too.  You also owe it to yourself to take time to be still.  Guilt free stillness.

Maybe just maybe peace starts with us. You and me. Peace within and peace around. Who knows where it might lead?

May God bless you and yours this season and may peace descend within and beyond.

Rev Barry Kelk