Here it comes….Christmas again!
Decorations, food, carol singing, writing lists, sending cards, baking, singing, presents, school plays, dark nights and bright lights. I don’t need to tell you, brothers and sisters, that it’s easy for us (meaning all people living in this place during this time) to forget what Christmas is about.
Instead of writing you an inspiring message about putting Jesus first this festive season, I am going to challenge you to embrace everything that this season has to offer us with a heart of gladness and joy with Jesus by your side.
This time of year is an opportunity for us to practically show God’s love because people are ready and waiting to accept it. They are expecting it. So let’s give it to them, in whatever sparkly and bejewelled way they want it. Let’s remind them that we are waiting to point them to Jesus whenever they are ready.
And then, in that rare peaceful moment in near darkness away from the chaos of our culture, declare the next 5 minutes as Holy and contemplate Mary’s spirit:
‘And Mary said,
I’m bursting with God-news; I’m dancing the song of my Savior God. God took one good look at me, and look what happened - I’m the most fortunate woman on earth!What God has done for me will never be forgotten, the God whose very name is holy, set apart from all others.His mercy flows in wave after wave on those who are in awe before him.He bared his arm and showed his strength, scattered the bluffing braggarts.He knocked tyrants off their high horses, pulled victims out of the mud.The starving poor sat down to a banquet; the callous rich were left out in the cold.He embraced his chosen child, Israel; he remembered and piled on the mercies, piled them high. It’s exactly what he promised, beginning with Abraham and right up to now.’
Luke 1 46-55