23/12/2022
The Truth About Christmas
The media paints such a false picture of Christmas: Happy families; perfect table settings loaded with expensive food; excited well dressed children around glittering Christmas trees loaded with perfectly wrapped gifts. The reality in many cases is quite different: Broken homes; people living with abuse; lonely people who will spend Christmas on their own; serious health issues, financial stress; anxiety about not being able to provide their children the gifts they desire. For so many people, Christmas just shines a spotlight on the reality of our difficult and sad circumstances.
To be totally honest, a week ago, I thought to myself if anyone says, "Happy Christmas" to me again, I'll scream. Then another thought dropped into my mind - Christmas is not about your circumstances, it's about HIM.....Jesus....The Birth of Jesus - The Way, The Truth, The Life.
Instantly, my perspective about Christmas changed: I can say 'Happy Christmas!' because it's the time we celebrate the entry of Jesus into the brokenness of humanity.
Jesus said “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Ref: John 16.33
Faith, Hope, and Love in our hearts can overcome our circumstances. The only thing we can control in this life is our attitude to what life throws at us. In Christ, we can live above our circumstances....yes we can! So, this is my advice to me, and you: Dust yourself off, scream if you have to, stand up tall, find as many things in your world that you can be thankful for, reach out to someone in love, exercise your faith.
I wish you a Happy Christmas, and my prayer is that you experience Christ, this Christmas.
Those who know your name trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you. Ref: Psalm 9:10