DEAR News Of The Area,
CHRISTMAS is nearly here again!
Is the pace of life getting faster?
Christmas brings family gatherings and presents.
We wish each other “Merry Christmas” and, hopefully, we have a good time.
But Christmas can be busy and stressful, so please pause for just a moment.
You’ve likely heard, in a shopping mall or supermarket, the Christmas carol “Joy to the World; The Lord is Come!”.
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if, amongst the busyness and stress, each of us could really experience that joy.
You may also recall the words of the angel choir in a Christmas nativity play, singing to the shepherds: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men of goodwill.”
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we (and the world) could experience that peace?
“Peace and joy” is a traditional Christmas greeting – you see it on Christmas cards.
Can we, amongst the busyness and stress, feel peace and joy?
The answer is “yes!”.
God knows each one of us as his son or daughter, knows our trials and even knows our every thought (I‘m glad others don’t!).
And despite our failings, God cares for us – he loves us “warts and all” and wants us to love him too.
In fact, God so loved the world that he sent his son Jesus to be with us (that is what Immanuel means: ‘God is with us’).
He lived a perfect life, experienced life’s suffering as one of us, and gave his life as an atonement for our sins (Jesus’ name means ‘The Lord saves’).
Jesus died on the cross, and after three days God raised him to life, proving that all his promises were true.
Those who believe and trust in him, have their sins forgiven.
And as we live by faith in Jesus, we are changed.
Can temptations still arise and can bad habits sometimes persist?
They can, but if we let God’s spirit guide us, we have the power to resist them.
And when we stumble, we can ask for forgiveness.
So, amongst the busyness of arranging gatherings, buying presents and planning holidays, consider celebrating the real meaning of Christmas: God loves us and our sins are forgiven if we put our trust in Jesus as saviour.
God is with us at every moment, so keep your eyes fixed on him.
There is hope!
May you find peace and joy this Christmas.
Ross FERRIER,
Fingal Bay.
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