Ok, so I'm the biggest Christmas scrooge, I admit it ... well I was.
That was until I was challenged by Mark yesterday ... he said he used to be like that until someone asked him who should be the one with the most to celebrate. The answer of course is me! Jesus was born at Christmas time ... for me! Jesus came to earth ... for me! Jesus was God incarnate ... for me! Jesus became the Saviour ... for me! So who should have the most to celebrate at Christmas ... me!
Thought stayed in my mind last night as I spent time with Stewart and his family. They are all so close and loving, and I realised that that kind of thing should make me even more thankful. Funny that, love changes things. And seeing real love in action as well as word began to errode at the part of me that rebels against Christmas - not because I don't believe in what it means, but because I dislike what it's come to mean. But in disliking it I'm adding to the problem, and not really reflecting it's true meaning.
Love. Love from God in the form of a baby boy, who would grow up and treat people with love and compassion. Who would bring me closer to God in word, and show me the love of God in deed. Who, in all that He was, and is, and will be, is love.
Today, Jim reminded us in prayers that, yes, the picture may be bleak, but thats not the end - 'aye, thats wit ye think!' And as I left for coffee and a mince pie (thank you Father for the person who delivered them to the common room!), I found myself singing 'Oh come, oh come, Immanuel ...' and truely meaning it - without it being Christmas Eve in a dimly lit church.
So, do I have the right to be a Christmas scrooge? Not anymore! After all, I have so much to celebrate!
"His name will be wonderful
Counselor, Powerful God,
Father Who Lives Forever, Prince of Peace.
Power and peace will be in his kingdom
and will continue to grow forever.
He will rule as King on David's throne
and over David's kingdom.
He will make it strong
by ruling with justice and goodness
from now on and forever.
The Lord All-Powerful will do this
because of his strong love for his people."
Isaiah 9v6(b)-7 (NCV)
2 comments:
Well done on your second comment on out blog...I like seeing you name!!
Christmas Scrooge huh? I would never have seen you like that - just always took you that little bit longer to get excited. But hey you had to peel me off the ceiling I got so excited. I was actually just remember the Christmas couple of years I ago I spent with you and your family. It was a lot of fun...and I had two Christmas dinners. How funny!!!! Enjoy the 'Jesus for me'season and remember HIM in all you do! Drop me a wee email soon- we leave for Oz next week!
sorry about all the mistake there - I forgot to check it - im in a rush and now Im in more of rush telling you that im in a rush....ha ha ha ha.
Post a Comment