Good Crowd

The Nativity Service at St. Andrew's was attended by a good crowd. I think there were more people and chairs than ever before - with some sitting on the floor, and others standing all through.

I was so impressed by the hard work and careful preparation that had gone into the presentation by the Guides, Brownies, Rainbows, their leaders and parents. And I was so thankful for the seriousness with which the Nativity Story was set forth for us. 

I recall that Jesus was often surrounded by Good Crowds of people, and he taught by stories, to get people to think more deeply about what he was saying. 

In particular, the Parable of the Sower (or the Soils) tells us that not everyone in a good crowd listens carefully and wisely!

Once again Jesus began teaching by the lake shore. A very large crowd soon gathered around him, so he got into a boat. Then he sat in the boat while all the people remained on the shore. He taught them by telling many stories in the form of parables, such as this one: 

“Listen! A farmer went out to plant some seed. As he scattered it across his field, some of the seed fell on a footpath, and the birds came and ate it. Other seed fell on shallow soil with underlying rock. The seed sprouted quickly because the soil was shallow. But the plant soon wilted under the hot sun, and since it didn’t have deep roots, it died. Other seed fell among thorns that grew up and choked out the tender plants so they produced no grain. Still other seeds fell on fertile soil, and they sprouted, grew, and produced a crop that was thirty, sixty, and even a hundred times as much as had been planted!” Then he said, “Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand.” (Mark 4.1-9)

My prayer is that over this Advent season, with opportunities to engage with crowds of people, some at least who come along will be those in that last category  -who produce a crop that was thirty, sixty, and even a hundred times as much as had been planted!”

To his disciples, Jesus explained who they would be. 'And the seed that fell on good soil represents those who hear and accept God’s word and produce a harvest of thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much as had been planted!” (Mark 4.20)

"Lord, please send us those who will hear and accept God’s word and produce a harvest."

Best wishes,

Richard