This reflection was first shared at the St Denys Carol Service in December 2026. Amidst the beauty and peace of the candlelight and music, Sera spoke of the Jesus being disruptive and yet comforting. 

We’ve sung the carols and read the stories that revolve around the first Christmas, which all revolve around one person. Jesus. I wonder what words spring to mind when you think of this Jesus. Baby. Teacher. Revolutionary. Friend. Good bloke….

I’d like to offer you two words today that have have struck me about Jesus this Christmas time: disruptive and comforting.

Disruptive:
Has it ever struck you how quietly disruptive Jesus’s arrival was?

For Mary, her whole world turned upside. Never mind the physical disruption of pregnancy, birth and motherhood. Then there was whole thing of a ruined reputation.

For Joseph, his moral sense of what was ‘right’ and the good thing to do was totally shaken (and as an aside, it’s really struck me this year that Joseph never saw the result of his commitment and care – he died before Jesus grew up and began his ministry- I find that really sobering and helpful for those who never see the result of their love and investment)

For the Shepherds there was work disruption, and for the Magi it was travel disruption. 

Jesus caused quiet disruption. So much for so many was shaken and challenged. 

But then again when you’re God, looking to heal & restore a broken world that you love, then disruption is sometimes needed. Not in the egotistical way of Thor or the troublesome ways of Loki and the gods of the Marvel movies, but in the way of love, surprise and humility.

Jesus was, and continues to be disruptive. 

Comforting:
Yet at the same time, Jesus was, and continues to be, also comforting. 

Over the last few days, I’ve been reminded how comforting light can be: sun breaking through the fog, Christmas tree lights drawing us closer, sparkling house decorations bringing joy on a wet night.

Our final Bible reading (John 1:1-9) spoke of Jesus as being the light of the world. And I find that powerful and comforting. It’s not the comfort of hiding away from the world, and keeping your head under a duvet, but rather of carrying a torch, a candle, a light out with you as you journey through the darkness.

I love that the light of the world is person, not an abstract thing, or an intangible, undefinable energy. It helps me because when life is tough, or delightful, or bemusing, I can look at a person and see companionship, kindness, sacrifice, laughter… and yes disruption. I find that to be a comforting kind of light.  

Blessing in the Paradox

So in Jesus… there is both disruption and comfort. It sounds like a paradox doesn’t it. But then so does being human AND God… but there’s space for that too.

 And so I offer a blessing this evening: May you be blessed by the disruption and comfort of Jesus, trusting in the knowledge that you are deeply loved, wonderfully known and totally valued.

Amen