Now, I like dressing up as much as the next vicar… Every Sunday, and during the week, my ‘party dress’ comes out (or ‘robes’ as they are properly called) and for both Sundays and special events we have various additions called ‘Stoles’, ‘Copes’, ‘Chasubles’, ‘Tippet and Scarf’ and much much more!

Now, I like dressing up as much as the next vicar… Every Sunday, and during the week, my ‘party dress’ comes out (or ‘robes’ as they are properly called) and for both Sundays and special events we have various additions called ‘Stoles’, ‘Copes’, ‘Chasubles’, ‘Tippet and Scarf’ and much much more!

But, sometimes, in the midst of our pomp and ceremony, which is part of the wonderful heritage of the church, I wonder if we lose sight of the simplicity of the Galilean carpenter who started it all and we forget that his message wasn’t about running churches, or ceremonies, but about loving God with everything we are, and loving our neighbour as ourselves.

I hope that whatever form of worship and church tradition you are used to, at the heart of it is that simple truth of knowing, loving and trusting God in and through his Son, Jesus Christ.