Torch smiles!

The sun shone, the crowds cheered, the band played, the police sounded horns! What a cheerful atmosphere in Rochdale on Saturday afternoon! And all to watch a complete stranger dressed in a white tracksuit jog along the Esplanade carrying a replica of the Olympic torch!

Was it worth it? Absolutely. Will it have a lasting effect? Absolutely not.

But it was good for this reason - it gave everyone a sense of national identity, of belonging, of being part of something bigger and good, of finding common cause, of celebrating our British community spirit. It just wont last.

But it made me realise that people are longing to gather round and support something good, which gives a sense of community identity.

That was the message that Jesus carried. Church for Him was never about synagogues (although he visited them) or religious observance. His message was all about a community of people who were being transformed by the presence and power of God into a family of trusting, loving, joyful friends of God.

When Jesus came into a town, there were crowds and noise and celebration - just like Saturday. Except He left a lasting impression.

One day soon, the people of Rochdale will gather round the Town Hall in their thousands to hear the good news about Jesus, and be changed for good, for ever.

I really enjoyed the Olympic Torch coming through Rochdale. I loved the sense of anticipation, and pent up excitement. I now long for the day when the same applies to the preaching of the Gospel. It is coming!!