The angels went to Shepherds first. Shepherds. We have some rose-tinted concepts of shepherding - images of sweet, clean sheep and luscious grass. However, these guys are likely to have been real down and outs, really disconnected - really socially unacceptable.

Which made me think (as it does) of Shameless. I don't necessarily endorse all the shenanigans of the characters on the Chatsworth estate, but they represent a very real corner of our society, which in the Americanised version are best described as 'trailer-trash'. The middle-class church avoids gazing overlong in their direction...but God does not.

On the flip side, I am mindful that much of my last few months is concerned with meeting important influencers in colleges. And then we have the Queen's New Years honours list published today. With the announcements comes the opportunity to meet the sovereign herself. In the U.S. I'm confident invitations to hang out with the President are few and far between!

And here is the AMAZING truth of this season - despite the glitz and commercialism. God deigned to be born into a scene of poverty, and then reaches out to share this occasion with those regarded as beneath most classes - the Shepherds.

God has absolutely no agenda - he cares not for status or ability or achievements or odour or respectibility. He is foremost a God for all.

As we approach the New Year I wonder whether my human relations have caused me to ignore the enormity of this openness on God's part. Each and every day I am invited, not to the crib, but into the presence of the risen and ascended King - our Lord Jesus. Can you imagine, or even get your head round this?

Furthermore, as I think back over the last 12 months I am filled increasingly (certainly it gets greater each year) with a sense of shame and regret. There are so many times when I did not be all I could be. Why did I not avail myself of God's presence, his time, and his wisdom?

This coming year I want the invitation to the Shepherds to stay with me, to remind me that THIS DAY a Saviour is waiting to be with me, speak with me and dispense his advice, guidance and strength.

Happy New Year!!