During his ministry, men on the street heard him gladly. He spoke in the most down-to-earth ways. His preaching was filled with vivid images from people’s everyday experience: light and fire, birds and barns, pigs and pearls. He talked to people about the coming “kingdom of God”, which would arrive through his death and resurrection, and climax in his return…Christians are people who know this man, Jesus.

There’s talk of a “quiet revival” going on in Britain, with more young people, particularly men, coming to church. It’s not dramatic, but it’s a shift. As a Christian minister, I’m delighted and I’m always keen to clarify with people who are exploring Christianity, what is at the heart of the faith? 

And the answer is: Jesus Christ himself. A Christian is someone who has a living relationship with the man, Christ Jesus. 

Who is this man? Well, his birth was marked by all kinds of strange signs – angels, shepherds, and visits from mysterious, wealthy men. He was born into a poor family. His mother had to choose the cheaper sacrifice for her purification after his birth. His family fled to Egypt for a time. He grew up in obscurity, in a remote backwater, called Nazareth, practicing the trade of his step-father, Joseph. 

Yet, even aged 12, he could amaze the scholars in Jerusalem with his learning. During his ministry, men on the street heard him gladly.

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