About the first week in November, the Christmas things started to appear in the shops. The cards, decorations and gift ideas were a reminder that the festive season was near. Apparently I wasn’t the only one who had noticed. As I walked round the supermarket, a woman caught sight of the tinsel, turned to her companion and said very unenthusiastically ‘oh God, it’s Christmas’.

At first I was sad at that response to a time of celebration and hope. But then I reflected just how true her words were. In spite of her sentiments, she had hit on the message of Christmas. For Christmas began with God. At the heart of Christmas is the God who loved His people so much that He chose to come to them, to send His son into the world to be born as one of them. 

As we move into the Christmas season over the next few weeks, celebrate the joy of God’s presence. Listen to the familiar story and sing the well-loved carols, and hear how amazing their message really is. Stand at the manger and feel again the awe and wonder of the Son of God born on earth for us. Oh God, it’s Christmas!

I wish you all every blessing for Christmas and New Year.