0
0
There has been a sense of relief at the shopping malls in our area in the past few weeks. The crowds have been down a little on past years, but the expected frustrations that Christmas crowds usually bring was notably absent. The relief in peoples attitudes that we had all survived 2020 and Christmas was beckoning was palpable. People smiling and having conversations with random strangers.
My favourite Christmas Carol has always been – ‘O Holy Night’. It’s melody is captivating and the words thought provoking. In many ways this carol incapsulates the Gospel message.
Two lines really stood out after our encounters in the shopping malls. “A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices.” The challenges that 2020 has brought to every person has certainly tested peoples resolves, patience and trust. We can all rejoice as there have been many positives from the changes enforced on families and businesses. We can also rejoice that the end of 2020 is nigh as we celebrate Christmas, however it looks for you.
The last verse also speaks of this hope of a better day, “and in His name, all oppression shall cease.” Many people I have engaged with this year would have endured struggles and oppression irrespective of world events. Marriages have still broken down, the black dog of depression has still haunted many, cancer and heart disease has still infected otherwise healthy bodies. The solution to these and other forms of oppression, the only way to break these chains is found in this gift given that first Christmas, over 2000 years ago.
What ever life has looked like for you, there is always hope for a better season. Whilst priorities have been reassessed this year, this photo of Santa kneeling before Jesus in the Manger is a profound fusion of worldly views.
I make no apologies for my belief in the true original meaning of Christmas. That being the birth of Jesus Christ whose life and ministry brought awareness and a tangible experience of the Kingdom of Heaven to this world. The manger story is inextricably linked to death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, to provide a path of restoration for all of human kind into a relationship with God – the creator of heaven and earth.
Many people don’t share these beliefs. Many people believe in Santa and celebrate the Christmas season with giving gifts, spending time with family and friends. Having Elves on the shelf getting upto mischief during December is a new and fun way too of keeping the magic and mystery of Christmas alive for the young at heart. Singing Christmas songs about chestnuts roasting on open fires, dreams of a white Christmas, Rudolf and Santa getting stuck up chimneys and kissing mummy’s is fun. Yet they don’t have the same depth as the Christmas Carols that speak of the birth of Jesus Christ and his purpose for being born.
The greatest gift in history is the birth of Jesus Christ, as the carol says “the night of the Dear Saviours birth.”
Irrespective of the year you have had in 2020, it might just be time for you too to “fall to your knees” and receive the divine gift delivered to earth on that “night divine.”
If you desire to receive this gift, there is more information how to personalise it with the Prayer for Salvation.
