The Perfect Christmas?

God sent His messenger, John the Baptist, to tell of the Light that was to come – a light that would shine on all people. John used the words of the Prophet Isaiah, saying
“I am the voice of someone shouting in the wilderness”. John 1:23
We too can feel that the Words of God, the promises He made of Joy, Hope, Love and Peace, are like those of John the Baptist – cast in a wild place where no one is listening, lost to the drowning tumult of commercialism and ignorance.
How do we remind ourselves, and others, of the true Christmas message? How do we tell of the Light that came into the world, for all our sakes?
How do we, in the words of one superstore advertisement, “Feel More Christmas”?
Sadly, even though most festive advertisements seem to be supporting the notion of family, fellowship, and generosity, their underlying message remains that, the more you purchase, the more presents, the large tables laden with food, the better you will feel.
The only gift needed at Christmas has already been given. The Son of God. And the gift He gave us, Salvation, was purchased at a cost far higher than the latest electronic gadget, or the largest turkey money can buy. It was bought through His death on the cross.
So here is an alternative suggestion for “Feeling More Christmas”:

Throw a party – come and celebrate the birth of the baby Jesus with us, everyone is invited!
Put up the decorations – display extravagant love and kindness to all you meet
Buy food – for the food banks, who bring hope to so many people
Gather your family and friends – Peace happens when the whole World becomes our Family
Switch on the lights – shine your faith out for all to see
Make a Christmas wish – that you will be a guiding star, to show others the way.

We are not lone voices shouting in the wilderness. We can, and do, make a difference when we remind others of the message of John the Baptist, the coming Light of our Saviour, that still holds true today. Tell the world about the Hope that Shines in the darkness. Invite everyone you meet to come and see for themselves the baby Jesus in the manger, born to cancel out our debts.
For, when you kneel down and worship with the shepherds and magi, in the simplicity of that Bethlehem stable, then, truly, you will feel a LOT more Christmas!

Please join us in prayer:

For Hope, that the message of Salvation will spread across the World;
For Love, that the birth of our Saviour reminds all of God’s love for us;
For Joy, that the singing of the Angels will be heard above the modern wilderness;
For Peace, that Heaven will come to Earth, as promised. AMEN