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.

(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. The word 'Christ' is the Greek word meaning 'anointed one', which is the equivalent of the Hebrew word, 'Messiah'. 'Jesus', of course is the name given by the angel to Mary for her baby, and 'Christ' is his title, indicating that he is the one who has been sent by God to be our King and our Saviour. So today, over 2,000 years later although we celebrate Jesus' birth as a baby, we also remember that he said he would return to complete the work of God's Kingdom. Our job now is to live between the past and the future, keeping alive the message of hope to a world that seems to have lost hope.

Although we observe this season with great celebration, and often with customs from our childhood - the Midnight Service, the tree with its lights, the turkey, Christmas carols, stockings, or the pudding, perhaps - today is also a time for some sober reflection as well. Jesus Christ came into a world full of ignorance, superstition, greed, hatred and hypocrisy. Although he was born so long ago his world reflects much of our own today where the demand for personal satisfaction is what matters, and where the loudest and most vociferous voices predominate.

The Christ-child came to transform people's lives, bringing in a new era of compassion and love, and offering salvation to those who would listen to him. But this only happens when we allow him into our life - when we are humble enough to open our hearts to him.

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