On Christmas Eve, St Paul’s Church, New Southgate, hosted the Barnet Multi Faith Forum interfaith visit to their Midnight Mass service. The evening, led by Reverend Matthew Harbage, was a profound celebration of hope, solidarity, and shared humanity in the face of global and local challenges.
Reverend Harbage’s sermon was a thoughtful reflection on the resilience and universal relevance of the Christ Child. He invited attendees to consider the Child of Bethlehem as a symbol of hope born into adversity, reminding the congregation of the turbulent circumstances surrounding Jesus’ birth.
“Had He been born in Bethlehem today, inside the West Bank, He would be born both Jew and Palestinian,” Reverend Harbage reflected. “He would be born into the heart of a land marked by conflict and tension.”
He spoke of the first Christmas, a time of political unrest and suffering, where Jesus’ family fled as refugees, escaping violence and oppression. The Reverend urged the congregation to remember the often-overlooked darker aspects of the Christmas story, including the massacre of children by King Herod.
“This child shook Herod’s throne. While some trust in power, wealth, or even violence, we Christians sing of a child born to refugees escaping a massacre,” he said. “In this resilient child and His family, we find hope.”
Reverend Harbage then called attention to contemporary issues, asking, “Where might we find the Christ Child today?” He challenged the audience to see Christ in those who suffer—“buried under the rubble of Gaza” or in the grieving families of hostages in Palestine and Israel. He reminded everyone of the ongoing conflict in the region and renewed his prayer for a ceasefire, urging both action and prayer for peace.
Locally, Reverend Harbage highlighted the diverse makeup of St Paul’s Parish, which spans Barnet, Enfield, and even includes a portion of Haringey. He praised the Barnet Multi Faith Forum for its tireless efforts in promoting unity across faiths, particularly in the face of growing polarization, populism, and hate.
“I am moved by the work I’ve seen across the borough of Barnet bringing people together of different faiths. From Jews to Muslims, Christians to Sikhs – the Barnet Multi Faith Forum has stood out as a voice for peace and reconciliation,” he noted.
He also reflected on BMFF’s solidarity during moments of crisis, citing the Forum’s condemnation of violence during the summer riots and its efforts to support marginalized communities. Reverend Harbage shared a deeply personal moment, saying, “Alongside others, I spoke at the London Finchley Mosque and was moved by the appreciation of the men, to the solidarity we showed.”
“We all need solidarity when our back is up against the wall,” he continued, likening the work of BMFF to the spirit of Christ standing with the oppressed and marginalized.
Reverend Harbage concluded his sermon with a resounding message of hope and resilience:
“The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. It’s God standing with the poor and oppressed, declaring that no matter how dark the night, it is the love of God that is eternal.”
This interfaith visit was a testament to the strength of community, and all attendees were deeply moved by the service, not only by the Reverend’s eloquent sermon but also by the warm hospitality of St Paul’s Church. Inspired by the message of Christmas, the Barnet Multi Faith Forum reaffirmed its commitment to building bridges across faiths and encouraging hope and understanding in these challenging times.
