CONNECTING CHRIsTIANS TOGETHER
Merry Christmas
There is something wondrous about Christmas. Not so wondrous for those of us who have pushed past the halfway mark of life. Yet, it is wondrous for children, and somehow we can remember the wonder. That's probably why we go to so much trouble to make the event special for the children in our families. We overspend on food and presents, usually by a factor of three at least. Even before the main meal is set before me, I have usually filled up on sherry and mince pies and one or two handfuls of nuts. Christmas dinner would be easy for me. A plateful of turkey sandwiches with lashings of the mother-in-laws bread sauce and I'm set for the day. Still, all the suggestions that we should limit the presents to one main one and limit the food to what can be comfortably eaten in an hour, are set aside in the search for a childhood memory - the wonder of it all.
The wonder is easily brought to mind. It can be an image, smell or sound, as each year we enter what we call the "Christmas Season." Each one is different. Each one is special. Christmas time is a time of many different activities and festivities. And, Christmas time has some very specific times attached to it.
Christmas, like no other time of year, is a time when family gets together. This will bring a note of sadness to some because of family members who will not be present this year. Sickness, circumstances, and bereavement will separate some family members. But, may we gather together as a family as much as is possible, remember the happy times, and make Christmas a growing-
Christmas is the time when love is conveyed from heart to heart by gifts of all kinds to all people. Good will is spread from house to house and person to person, and a season of goodwill prevails. There are toys for the children, a gift for mum and dad, a little something for friends and neighbours.
This is the most special day of the year for Christians, and rightly so, because this is the day of the year when we celebrate the birthday of Jesus Christ, our Savoir, God’s greatest gift to the world. Yes, Christmas is a time of giving, but also of receiving the greatest gift anyone could ever wish for.
A merry Christmas from all the team at X-
