As we approach the Christmas period, what does it mean to you?
Christmas is a very personal thing. For some, it is mixture of time with loved ones, friends, the children’s excitement, lights, smells, food etc, the joy of giving and seeing the receivers’ faces, family DVDs – a wonderful mix of surprise and happiness. There are those who also go to church to remember the nativity when the Lord Jesus became a babe at Bethlehem. Then there are others who decide to go away for a Christmas holiday. There will also, sadly, be some who will be lonely.
Whatever we do there is also a cost to it. There is the planning, shopping, perhaps cooking, packing and travelling. Decisions have to be made and often they are, overall, enjoyed but some decisions are regretted. However there is a good decision to make that you will never regret. Why did Christ come into the world? The Bible describes the message of the angel, “… and on earth peace, good will toward men.”
But where is peace and goodwill in many homes, communities and countries? Peace, is often notable in our world by it’s absence. The basic reason for this is because people have not believed in the one Who does bring peace to the heart. People generally go their own way and their sin brings disruption. However the babe of Bethlehem grew up and paid the price on the cross for our sins so that we can have peace with God (Romans c5v1). Those Who trust that He died for their sins and rose again for them will never regret that decision. They will know God’s peace and will give “Glory to God in the highest …”. If the world were to turn to Christ as their Saviour then there would be the peace that people really want.
We hope that every reader has a happy Christmas and a good start to the new year.