What are you looking forward to this Christmas?
Is it for the first sight of the Coca-Cola lorry on the TV? Does the idea of Christmas excite you or bring feelings of dread as you remember everything that needs to be done?
I love Christmas, but I do worry about all the things I have to do. In the end I just do my best and hope that everything turns out right, and I have a joyful and peaceful Christmas. However, as a Christian I realise that the real meaning of Christmas is contained in four words, three of which we hear a lot of. These words are Hope, Peace, Joy and Love.
The hope that Jesus gives us is just not simply the hope that things will perhaps turn out right. When Jesus was born it heralded a new age. The angel said to the shepherds at Jesus’s birth
‘I am bringing you good news of great joy for all people…
On earth, peace among those whom He favours.’
Luke chapter 2, verses 10 to 14
This hope is to be found even in dark places. If you cannot look forward to a happy family ‘Coca-Cola’ Christmas. Jesus is always there for you; with you and carrying you through them. With Jesus, you get not only peace from the constant expectation of happiness, but real peace knowing you are loved, unconditionally, whatever you have done or who you are. Real peace - resulting from such love - leads to genuine joy.
I will once again be wearing my Christmas sweater all through December and enjoying watching my children and grandchildren opening their presents - but my hope, peace, joy and love is found with the baby in the manger. Happy Christmas to everyone.
Blessings to all, Vivienne