On November 20th the church commemorates St Edmund the patron saint of Blunham church (one of them, at least). Born in AD 840, St Edmund was once the patron saint of England before St George. He has a fascinating story and also a sad one. His devotion to God was the reason for his death in the year 870. Captured by the Danes, he refused to give up his kingdom and his faith in God, and as a result he was eventually tied to a tree and shot through with arrows – the arrows are described as making him like a porcupine as they stuck into his body. Following one last unsuccessful effort to try and make him denounce Jesus Christ, they finally beheaded him with one swift blow of a sword, after he had declined their pressure to give in.
His devotion is a great example of holding on to what we believe despite the influence of outside forces. Sometimes it is easier to give in to pressure and keep the status quo rather than to stand up for what we believe in and hold on to our principles. As we go through life there are many things that pull us in different directions and we can be easily swayed to push aside the things that keep us on the straight and narrow road.
I hope that as we celebrate Advent and Christmas, we remember the slogan that was popular for a little while – “the reason for the season” and hold on to our belief in Jesus Christ – the one whose birth we celebrate and the way of living he showed us when he was here on this earth.
May I wish you God’s blessing for the coming seasons of Advent and Christmas.
Revd Graham
