23/12/2021
Every blessing for Christmas as we celebrate the birth of Christ.
We may now have a degree of clarity about what we are allowed to do over Christmas even if we are being encouraged to be cautious – there is still uncertainty as to what will follow for New Year. Will further restrictions be imposed and if so what form will they take?
Perhaps we can take comfort from the Christmas story. It’s a reminder that when Jesus was born life was far from normal. Politically the country was far from stable with a foreign power in overall control and tensions between the local authorities both political and religious. Economically life was effected by things outside the control of the local population. And socially life was in turmoil due to the requirements of the census.
It was into this chaos that Jesus – the Son of God - was born, not in the comfort of a family home with all that might be needed ready at hand, but in a stable, having to make do with whatever they could find. It is so easy to overlook the reality of that first “Christmas” and forget that Jesus didn’t come to a perfect world. But in his birth he brought Light into the darkness - literally to the shepherds out in the fields as a host of angels lit up the night sky, and a star that would light the way for the wise men to follow. There was a message of Hope that brought Joy for a better future, even if there was no clear indication as to when this might be and despite there being no immediate change in circumstances. And there was a sign of God’s Love in his willingness to come as a vulnerable baby – which was all too graphically demonstrated when Herod decided to get rid of the little boys around Jesus’ age following the visit of the wise men who happened to make that rather unfortunate call with its tragic consequences!
So although your Christmas may not be quite as you’d wanted may the Light of Christ shine in the darkness, the Hope in Christ bring you His Peace and Joy, and the Love of God strengthen you. And may you be conscious of the Presence of God with you not just this Christmas time but throughout the coming year.
Have a wonderfully Peaceful and Love filled Christmas and New Year
JOnathan