Christmas is nearly here – but what's the point...?
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FOOD FOR THOUGHT by Howard Stone, minister of Castletown and Community Free Church
Three days to go to the ‘Big Day’. There may still be messages to buy, presents to wrap and cards to deliver but it’ll soon be here. And then... it’ll all be over for another year. We’ll be left with tidying away the decorations, trying to lose a few extra pounds and paying off the credit card.
With the beginning of the New Year, life will return to the usual routine. It may have been a lovely time with family and friends (even if somewhat Covid-restricted) but it’ll be over. You might well ask: “What’s the point? What difference does it all make?”
I remember seeing a sticker which proclaimed: “A dog is for life, not just for Christmas!” Having a dog involves commitment. The same can be said about Jesus. Christmas is essentially about the miraculous birth of the God-child but, as with every baby, Jesus’ birth was just the beginning.
God told Joseph that Jesus would save his people from their sins. Consequently, the rest of Jesus’ life – and death and resurrection – was spent in fulfilling that task. He himself said that he had come to bring life to his followers – life to the full.
If we are going to enjoy this ‘life to the full’ that Jesus promises, then it takes commitment. We won’t think about Jesus just for one day. He’ll be in our thoughts continually. Daily, we’ll talk to him, in prayer. He’ll talk to us as we read the Bible. He’ll forgive and encourage us, direct our lives, comfort and support us and provide for our needs.
When Christmas comes, remember it’s all about Jesus – and commit yourself to follow him every day. That way he’ll give you life to the full.
