Thoughts for the Day

In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

Church in Wales Lectionary, New Revised Standard Version

Thoughts

Today, Christians all over the world are observing Christmas, the commemoration of the birth of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Although we observe today with great celebration, and often with customs from our childhood - the tree with its lights, the turkey, or the pudding, perhaps -.today is a time for some sober reflection as well.

Jesus Christ came into a world full of ignorance, superstition, greed, hatred and hypocrisy. He was born 2,000 years ago in a world that reflects much of our own world today. He came to transform people's lives, bringing in a new era. But this only happens when we allow Him into our life - when we are humble enough to open our hearts to Him.

Oh, and what does the word 'Christ' mean? Well it's the Greek word meaning 'anointed one'. This is the Greek equivalent of the Hebrew word 'Messiah'. 'Jesus' was the name given by the angel to Mary, and 'Christ' is his title, indicating that he is the one who has been sent by God to be our King and our Saviour.

Jesus Christ,
born as a baby in a stable
to humble parents,
help us to see beyond
the Christmas card images
to the reality -
that You are our Saviour
who comes to reunite us
with God, who is our
Heavenly Father.
Amen.