Happy Christmas! As we again enter into the joy and wonder of the Christmas story, I pray that you will sense what each character brings to the Nativity. God chose each one of them for a purpose. The wise men tell us that this new-born King is for everyone and is God's own Son. The shepherds tell us that this King is a king of the ordinary people. He will side with the poorest of the earth. The innkeeper teaches us to be generous and open to strangers who are in need of our help. Joseph reveals the depth of his love and his trust in both God and Mary. Mary reveals a deep faith and quiet courage which are so very inspiring. Could you or I have echoed her 'Yes, let it be to me.' And, God and his messengers bring heaven to earth. Jesus is Emmanuel, God with us.
We would lose so much if one of these characters were missing. What would God miss if you or I did not turn up to worship his Son?
Enjoy pondering this as you contemplate this last verse of Christina Rossetti's In the bleak mid-winter.
What can I give him, poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb;
if I were a wise man, I would do my part,
yet what I can I give him: give my heart.
May love be your gift at Christmas. May peace be God's gift to our world as 2026 begins.
God bless,
Revd Katrina