Charis Christmas Newsletter - December 2009

In our house the Christmas tree has been up for a week, the decorations are in place, so just in case I wasn’t aware, my family were quick off the mark to establish our “tradition” with the tinsel in place and the Christmas spirit flowing.

Now I am listening to Christmas songs old and new and there is much wrapping of presents already, but as I have been reminded its only a couple of weeks until Christmas.. wow !!!! It is really almost here again……

I should have realized it last week when I was driving in the city centre and wondered why there seemed to be an excessive amount of traffic on Sheffield’s roads, parking was almost impossible, and then it struck me …the Christmas rush was happening!!

What was it the angelic host said to the shepherds “Peace on earth..”..... “parking in Sheffield” was what I was thinking!!! but I gave up and came home!!!

Don’t get me wrong, it is great to give and receive presents at Christmas time but I wonder if the true meaning has gotten lost somehow

The wise men brought gifts to honour the arrival of the Saviour of the world and of course He is the greatest gift anyone can receive. For God so loved us that he gave us the gift of Jesus His only son, and if we will receive Him into our lives we get the best present ever…the gift of  Jesus and eternal life. (my paraphrase of John 3:16)

We have so much to be thankful for. Firstly and most importantly the gift of Jesus and the grace He offers us, and then of course all of the promises of God that find a resounding yes in Jesus Christ our Saviour, 2.Cor 1:20. He has come and brought with Him all His fathers blessings  to give to us!

Bing Crosby of “I’m dreaming of a White Christmas “ fame said.” Unless we make Christmas an occasion to share our blessings, all the snow in Alaska won’t make it white”. By the way, here is a great verse about snow. "Come let us reason together says the Lord, though your sins are as scarlet they shall be as white as snow". Isa 1:18. Jesus totally eradicated our sin so we are as white as snow in God's eyes. That's a great blessing to consider this Christmas time.

Christmas is such a special time but it should last all year.Even though the snow melts, God's unconditional love in Jesus remains intact, He always sees us whiter then the snow with no blemishes!!  So we have something wonderful to give as a gift to everyone we meet. Jesus and His cleansing renewing love for all mankind. That’s something we can all share this Christmas and throughout 2010.

So after the parking nightmares and finding the right presents plus getting the tree up and the decorations in place, spend some time thinking about the “Prince of Peace”, He’s the only one who can bring peace into our lives.He’s  the true gift of Christmas and the blessing that we need to receive and share with everyone we meet.

Have a peaceful and joy filled Christmas

Blessings
Barry