As we draw closer to Christmas, there are more and more events happening, and life is getting busier with all the preparations going on for the season of goodwill. With just two weeks to go, (I’m sure you don’t need me to remind you), the list of things to do grows longer and longer, and there seems to be less and less time to get them done. I’m sure there will be a few last-minute panics up and down the country.
It takes us back to when Jesus was first born: can you imagine – the call goes out that everyone must register in the town of their birth. So Joseph has to travel to Bethlehem, and with Mary being pregnant, it could not have been more of a worry for them both. And then with everyone travelling to register, it was odds on that it would be difficult to find somewhere to stay when they finally arrived. Of course, we know that according to the story they end up staying in a stable, which seemed to be the only accommodation available.
Can you imagine the stress of it all, and then the baby starts to arrive – what were they to do? There are, in a way, a lot of similarities to the stress and strain we place ourselves under today trying to get everything done so that we may enjoy Christmas Day itself. In all of the busyness of the preparations – lists, wrappings and trappings – I hope that you can find time to relax for a few moments and reflect on the reasons why we celebrate Christmas: the birth of Jesus Christ. As we welcome Jesus into the world, I pray that you will receive him into your hearts and minds.
May God bless you through this season of preparation that is Advent.
Revd Graham
