Christmas Day
Hebrews 1: 1-4 John 1: 1-14
Christmas is observed in many different ways up and down the land. Much depends upon circumstances almost as much as tradition. The great day arrives with an atmosphere of expectation. Presents, may be scattered beneath a traditional tree or just neatly stacked up in piles, one for each person. The excitement is enhanced by just looking at what is in each pile. Guesses are made as to what may be in each parcel.
In some houses a token present may have been opened already whilst the remainder are opened after church and maybe even after lunch. That feeling of excitement accompanies you to church. There you hear again the Christmas story about the birth of the baby Jesus in the manger. An event which shaped the world.
Now, two thousand years later we still rejoice in this birth. What is it that grips us so firmly? Is it the carols we sing. Carols that we soon learnt as we trod the streets singing carols from door to door. Until, that is, the advent of double glazing. Now the first an occupant knows of your singing is when you knock the door hoping for some gratuity for your efforts. Or is it the coming together of the family from all parts to share in a Christmas feast? Whatever the reason we still observe Christmas.
Christmas is so special because it is the time that the Saviour of the word was born. To a lowly family the Christ child entered the world. He grew to adulthood learning the aches and pains that we all learn as we develop. From falling over and grazing his knee to learning social skills these were all lessons that he would learn, or so we can only guess.
Together with the shepherds we kneel before him in thanksgiving and prayer just as the shepherds. They witnessed his birth which we remember this day. From the hills they came to the stable to see this special event. People who earned their living through hard physical work left all that behind to gather at the foot of the manger.
Next in the Christmas story we learn of the visit of the Magi. They came with their riches and status also to visit the Christ child. Right at the start of his life he mixed with people of all social class. He was to be the Saviour of the world, not just to the hard working people striving to earn a living through their own hard work, but to all people right up to the ruling leaders. His influence reached out to all people regardless.
And so, today, we gather in celebration. From the youngest among us to the eldest. From those who are at the start of their life to those who are here with a life time of experience behind them, we are here in celebration.
The Christ child is born. He is the Son of God. He came that we should believe in him, learn his love, and turn to God through him. In accepting him into our lives our sins are forgiven. O come, all ye faithful, Christ is born. Hark, the herald angels sing. Peace on earth. Today that has to be our prayer. Peace on earth to all mankind.
A very Merry Christmas to you from Gill and myself.
Collect for Christmas Day
Almighty God,
you have given us your only-begotten Son
to take our nature upon him
and as at this time to be born of a pure virgin:
grant that we, who have been born again
and made your children by adoption and grace,
may daily be renewed by your Holy Spirit;
through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.