Earlier this month I had a surreal experience. I was visiting my son and his wife in a small village near Bristol. Having enjoyed a frosty walk over misty winter fields we were sitting drinking coffee warming ourselves in front of a blazing fire. It was a very peaceful scene. The tranquillity of this moment was suddenly shattered. There was a mighty rumbling and roaring which literally set the cottage shaking. This noise came and went but was gradually building itself into a crescendo. It was becoming difficult to hear ourselves speak. What was it? Not a tractor. Not a helicopter. Not a 40 ton juggernaut negotiating the village streets. The sound continued so we wrapped up in multiple warm layers and ventured out into the freezing mist to investigate.
When we reached the end of the lane the sound increased even further - and - the mystery was (partially) solved. For on the main road into the village was a continuous stream of motorcycles. Motorcycles of every size, age, style. There were three wheeled ones. Others with side cars. There were several Tuk Tuk and a fine collection of Harley Davidson’s, Honda Goldwings. There were Yamahas, Suzuki, and several Vespas.
Despite the variety of the bikes they had one thing in common. Each single one was being ridden by Santa Claus. There were snowy-beards by the hundreds. Fur-trimmed scarlet tunics. Glitter, tinsel… and from powerful sound systems on some of the equally powerful bikes - Christmas carols.
We followed this cortège and saw an awesome sight. There were several large carparks and two large school playgrounds full of bikes and Santas. We struck up a conversation with a Santa and asked what was happening. He told us that there were more than two thousand bikes and Santas gathered. This was their annual charitable run to raise funds for the Children’s Hospice South West.
Mystery noise solved. Santa outfits solved. A totally unexpected situation in a most unlikely place. Yet this occasion sums up Christmas.
The birth of Jesus, the Son of God, in a stable in the obscure village of Bethlehem was both an unexpected situation in a most unlikely place. As the Santa bikers are helping children and their families in time of need so the baby born in Bethlehem is helping people, young and old, in their times of need. God in Jesus, in Bethlehem, in a stable - God revealed in an unexpected situation in a most unexpected place … ‘Good news for all humankind’.
Have a wonderful Christmas and a peaceful New Year. Enjoy your holiday and I hope Santa is good to you!
David Pattie
Responses
What a truly lovely email and Christmas message! I have enjoyed receiving all your emails from all of the chaplains throughout the year - many thanks. Wishing you all a very happy, Blessed and peaceful Christmas!