So here I am poised ready to write this article, probably the last piece I script before the Christmas season hits – and yes that last message will probably be about the meaning of Christmas. However here I am about to put “pen to paper”, or “fingers to keyboard” as is the case these days, as news of the Paris terrorist strike is just unfolding. We are all rocked by this event and moved with sadness and love for those suffering (as we were for those devastated by the Beirut bombing a week ago).

Most of us realise that these ISIS fanatics have nothing to do with being a true Muslim, and we applaud the leaders in the Islamic community who are doing all they can to stand up against extremism of all kinds and those working with our young people who are of the Islamic faith. Furthermore, we are proud of our own Islamic boys here at Newington, on all three of our campuses, and so thankful for these families that feel so at home within our wider Newington community.

So my simple message this week is a really encouraging and inspirational story about one high profile Muslim sportsman who exemplified what grace and generosity of spirit is all about in front of the world’s stage. When Sonny Bill Williams gave away his medal after the Rugby World Cup final this was not some carefully devised stunt but a spontaneous act of grace and care. This simple act spoke volumes for the generosity of this devout Muslim hero of so many. The lucky lad, Charlie Line, who was gifted Sonny Bill’s medal could not believe what was happening.

I chose this event last week to talk in Chapel about “grace”. I asked our students to think about the impact such undeserved generosity would hopefully have on Charlie Line’s life in years to come. One would hope it would be transformational for Charlie.

Charlie probably deserved the crash tackle that he suffered from one of the security guards and many would think that he certainly didn’t deserve to receive such an honour from one of the best Rugby players in the world.

But that, in fact is what GRACE actually means – “undeserved goodness dropped on us surprisingly”, and so in fact that is a good segue into the meaning of Christmas for Christians…”God so loved the world that He gave us His son”. The Almighty’s pouring out of love and forgiveness on us who do not deserve it.

Can we be people of GRACE too? In our daily lives and in our priorities, can we take that surprising step of generosity and love towards even those who do not deserve it?

Rev David Williams
College Chaplain