By Isle of Wight Observer
“I Won’t Go to Quarr Abbey”
There has been, I have been told, some discussion in heaven this year. Where should Jesus go for Christmas? They did not agree, you know (very politely and kindly, of course, as you do in heaven); nevertheless, they nearly had an argument.
St Cecilia, who is the patron of musicians, came out with the first suggestion: “Why wouldn’t you go to Quarr Abbey? They have a lovely carol service, one of the best on the Island. I’m sure you’ll love it!” She had a point. We want good music at Christmas, soothing and joyful at the same time. But Jesus did not agree: “Yes, they sing OK, but I had such a trouble finding a place for my car last year, and then, when I arrived at the church, I hardly squeezed in an overcrowded space. No, I won’t go to Quarr Abbey.”
The Virgin Mary, who has of course a very special position, made her own suggestion: “Why don’t you go to Notre Dame? They have done a great work in Paris. This is now one of the most beautiful churches built in my honour. Moreover, so many celebrities have already visited it. It would be very strange if you didn’t go, too.” But Jesus did not agree: “Yes, it looks great, and these French people have really achieved quite something in only five years. But, if I may, I find it a bit too big, too beautiful, and also too… fashionable. I like a quiet Christmas with not so much ado, just the right measure of everything. Sorry, Mammy, I don’t want to offend you, but I will not go to Notre Dame.”
Sts Peter and Paul, who had been listening quietly, saw that the situation was rather auspicious. They came forward with their own proposal: “Dear Lord, we think you should really consider going to Rome. We have the best basilicas in the world, a huge Christmas tree directly from Norway, the choirs of the Sistine Chapel, not to mention delicious panettone with a proper cappucino after the ceremonies. Who could dream of anything better?” But, even to that, Jesus did not agree: “Dear Friends, thank you for the kind offer. All this is very nice, I’m sure; very much worth experiencing once in a lifetime. But thank you, no; not for this year.”
After this rejoinder, there was a great silence in heaven. Where on earth should Jesus be going for Christmas? He seemed to be refusing all the best offers.
At that point, a child, a little Saint whose name is known of God alone, came forward and asked with a sweet little voice: “Jesus, where do you want to go for Christmas?” There was another silence, as all eyes turned to Jesus. “I would like, I very much want to go to Bethlehem.” A look of consternation appeared on nearly all faces: “The Holy Land? In this time of war? It is unthinkable! Jesus, you are not serious, are you?” “I know what you are thinking, said Jesus. But please, let me visit Bethlehem once more, as I did 2024 years ago. I loved it there. There was the crib, which was so filled with love. There was the music of the angels and the smiles of my dear parents. And it is where the whole world came to me: the poor and the rich, the shepherds and the three kings. There, only there, shall I be fully myself: the King of Peace, in the guise of a new-born child.”
At these words, all agreed. And they unanimously decided: “We, too, shall go to Bethlehem this Christmas, and learn from this Child the ways of peace!”