A Message for Christmas

What gifts have you received that you really cherish?

Do you cherish them because the gift was something you really wanted? Do you cherish it because the giver thought about you? Do you cherish it because it was something unexpected, but lovely. 

I cherish the home-made gifts I have been given by my daughters. I love the quirkiness, and uniqueness of these gifts. I cherish them because they were home made with love.

God responded to people’s need to find a good way to live, through the ten commandments, other laws and through the prophets’ messages but something more was needed.

God gave the world a gift which was not wrapped in paper, under the Christmas tree, but instead the Christ child who slept in a manager in a stable. Jesus was “home-made” with love! A gift to be cherished.
 

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.
Luke 2:7

Mary loved Jesus and cuddled him in swaddling clothes. Joseph loved him as he took care of his family.  Angels loved him and sang God’s praises with joy. The shepherds came to the stable and loved him. Wise men followed a star to Bethlehem, loved him and brought him gifts.

In our imaginations let’s go to the stable. How might we love baby Jesus? We could give him a cuddle, settle him if he is crying, rock him to sleep, sing him a lullaby, or even change his nappy!  And the beautiful thing is that Jesus loves us back. Imagine him settled and sleeping, cooing gently, looking into our eyes or holding onto our fingers.

God believes in us and invites us to be a gift of love to others. This Christmas, may God’s love bring out the best in us and may we cherish one another. As a church community may we be a gift of love to all who need us and long for hope. Amen

Joy to the world! The Lord has come!

Happy Christmas!

Deacon Sarah Wickett