Christmas this year at Marlborough has been an unusually subdued affair. Just before Exeat it was discovered that there are serious structural problems with the apse of the Chapel and the place has had to be closed for the time being while tests are completed and work put in hand. So there was no glittering Advent Service, and the Carol Services migrated to the parish church of St Mary’s Marlborough by the kind invitation of the Rector, Andrew Studdert-Kennedy [OM]. The Chamber Choir took the Advent service to Ramsbury parish church along the Kennet valley. But the services were nonetheless wonderful and beautifully prepared by the choir, and the experience of familiar worship in a different environment enriched the occasions in unexpected ways.

This unexpected event has taken place against a background in Britain of faltering economic momentum, with many people worried about their jobs and hesitant to spend in the way that they have been used to. For all of us this gives an opportunity to focus again on the essential meaning of Christmas – the coming of God into the world in Jesus Christ, not in a temple or a shopping mall but in the stable of a poor home. He bids us look in that direction and towards the poor and needy in the world in every society with whom he especially identified. His coming reminds us also that the gift of love within a family is the most precious thing, of which presents are simply signs. In the words of Evelyn Underhill: “This contrast between the outward appearance and the inner reality is true of all the comings of God to us. We must be very loving and very alert if we want to recognise them in their earthly disguise. Again and again He comes, and the revelation is not a bit what we expect.”

May God bless you and your families this Christmas.

Jesus said, “You are the light of the world…” What light can Marlburians shine in our world at this difficult time? Each of us is in a particular situation and in the middle of a unique web of relationships and opportunities. The first thing to remember is that what we are and where we are can make a real difference. Indeed there is no other way of addressing the serious economic and moral failure at the heart of our system except by individual people assuming responsibility for ethical decisions in business as well as in personal relationships. Our life has to be of a piece – consistent in every way. The greatest challenge facing Western society is the need for integrity, and this is something that goes beyond economics and personal relationships: for we are in danger of cutting ourselves off from our roots, and impoverishing our culture as a result. This has a direct impact upon social behaviour and leaves society vulnerable to abuse, whether in the form of crime, drugs or terrorism.

For many Marlburians these roots lie in Christianity, that is governed by reason and inclusive in its approach. We know that God does not compel belief, but appeals to human beings through the life and death of Jesus Christ. The values that flow from the Gospel are the true foundation for any society and any family: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. These are truly humane values and the challenge is to apply them consistently in every part of life. They also reach out to people of other faiths, for we believe that every human being is a child of God and to be valued for who they are. So as Jesus said: “Let your light so shine among men and women that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”

The Revd Douglas Dales – Chaplain of Marlborough College