More famous than the Beatles

A couple of years ago it was Paris, Lindsay and Britney.  Nowadays its Kim, Cheryl and Katie that seem to be the movers and shakers – the newsmakers whose every move finds its way onto our breakfast table or computer screen.  And for what?  Some are famous merely for being famous; some, despite some initial promise are now famous for being out of control; some are both.  Is this freak-show really what life has become?  The cult of “Celebrity” seems to be in the ascendance.

As relational creatures, human beings have always been interested in the exploits of others, so this fixation with celebrity is not necessarily anything new (though perhaps it is on a new scale).  According to my diary, during October (the month I’m writing this) there are 28 people from down the centuries that the Church of England thinks we might like to remember and for whom we should thank God.  The lives of those whose names I recognise from this list are vastly more appealing than some of the dross we see on television.  These include the social reformer, the Earl of Shaftesbury, and St Francis of Assisi in whose name the chapel in Hunsdon is dedicated.  Also on the list are Martin Luther (the German priest who radically altered the religious and political landscape across Europe in the early 16th century), William Tyndale (who translated the Bible into English and was martyred for it in 1536), and Bishops Ridley and Latimer (who preached the Bible and were martyred for that in 1555).  Tucked away also is the renowned Nurse Edith Cavell, whose relative Kitty once lived in Hunsdon.

Though we rarely remember them, the impact these people have had on our lives is immeasurable.  There’s no doubt about it, these people changed the world.  It’s not surprising, then, that some have decided these notable characters should have a day on our calendar in their memory.  Somehow I can’t see the same honour being bestowed upon Ms Kardashian, Price, Cole, Hilton, Lohan or Spears!

But there is one who is even greater than these celebrated saints.  His exact dates of birth and death are unknown, but every year we commemorate them both.  His life did not inspire a single day to remember; rather, his life is the foundation for the whole of our calendar.  As we approach Christmas this year, let us remember that Christmas starts with Christ; the one who changed the world and keeps on changing it through his people.  And may the one who is more famous than the Beatles hold your hand in your hard day’s nights and whenever you need help.