We are rapidly approaching what is known by many as ‘The Big Day’. For some it can’t come quickly enough, and seems to be taking far too long to get here. For others, it’s more a question of ‘when can I get back to normal life’ or isn’t it about time the decorations and lights came down’?
My tree and any decorations won’t go up until 23rd December, as is my tradition. I will be working my way through Advent, preparing myself for the Christmas Season which begins at midnight on Christmas Eve. School nativities and carol concerts are being prepared and we look forward to our Church Carol Services and Crib services still to come; and then we wait patiently for the heralding of Christmas Day and the remembrance and celebration of the birth of Jesus. However, I know that I am probably in the minority in thinking that way these days. I was reminded this week of a story about a Christening which took place a few years ago. It was to be held in a stately home with many well-to-do people on the guest list. The day dawned and the guests duly arrived, dressed in all their finery. Their coats and wraps were taken to a bedroom and carefully laid on the beds. After the usual drinks and conversation and so on, the family were finally ready for the christening ceremony, and someone asked, ‘Where’s the baby?’ The nanny was sent upstairs to look for the infant and returned in some distress, looking quite frightened. The baby was nowhere to be found. After several minutes of searching someone remembered that the child had last been seen lying on one of the beds, and after a frantic search the little child was found underneath the pile of coats left by the guests. The whole reason for the guests coming had been forgotten, neglected and almost destroyed. It can be like that at Christmas, too.
Many people will forget, neglect and even try to destroy the Christ-child, the baby in the manger. It is so easy these days to smother him with tinsel, wrapping paper, ribbon, lights, food and drink, and all the material things that surround us at Christmas; that we might be reminded of the words of Luke’s Gospel as he tells the Christmas Story: He tells us there was no room for the holy family at the Inn. There is nothing wrong with all the festive additions to our Christmas celebrations, but we really do need to include time to remember what it is that we are actually celebrating; and that is the Birth of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, coming into our world as a human baby. God sent his Son into the world to bring us peace, hope, joy and love. All those things are there for us, if only we will make room for Jesus in our hearts and lives; not just at Christmas, but throughout our lives. Jesus is the one and only reason for the season, so let’s not crowd him out, but instead put him at the centre of all our celebrations this year. Why not come along to one (or more) of our services to celebrate with us this Christmastime? You would be very welcome. Whatever you are doing this Christmas may I wish you joy, peace and happiness, and may you know the blessing of the Christ-child in your hearts and homes, now and always.
Have a very Happy Christmas when it comes! With my prayers and good wishes
Rosemary
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