‘HE came into His own world, but His own nation did not welcome Him.’

Imagine — you’ve had a long and tiring journey. You are jet lagged, but glad to be home. You park your car in your own driveway, walk to your own front door and put your own key in the lock.

But the lock doesn’t turn. You try other keys, but nothing fits. When you see movement in the house, you knock on the door; a total stranger comes and informs you that the house is no longer your home. It has been occupied by the Revolutionary Army of Something-or-Other and has been declared a Stateless Zone. The locks have been changed and you will not be given access. Until you get a Court Order and police back-up, you are homeless.

This is your home — your property. Not only do you own the title deeds — you even built the place with your own hands. Inside are your belongings, your memories. But you are outside — left out in the cold.

Jesus came to a planet over which He has rights of ownership and occupation — He came to His home. It is we, the tenants, who have refused to give Him access.

Imagine — Bill Gates being thrown out of Microsoft HQ as a trespasser. Now picture God unrecognised within His own creation.

Rev Tom Grant, Minister — Andover United Reformed Church