Celebrate with joy

Many years ago, in a land far, far away, I was sitting round a table with some Christian leaders. We were discussing church life around the world. I reflected on some of the complex, pastoral issues that faced me in my context. One brother remarked, 'Wow, what sort of church have you got?!'

I smiled; and afterwards, pondered on two realities. Firstly, I though, 'it's a normal church'. Secondly, my mind drifted to the nature of what we are called to be like : 'gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, showing love to others consistently and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin'. And, yes, remembering the power of what transpired on the Cross. And I thought of how wonderful it is that God's Word became flesh and resolutely dwells among us as Emmanuel: 'God with us'.

Yes, it's good and important to celebrate Christmas. Have a good one, filled with worship and thanksgiving in celebration of Emmanuel. May that truth increase in your experience in the coming year.