It's just the start!

2009-12-23

On Tuesday evening this week, folk from a number of churches in the area met outside our local hospice to sing carols.  Cold? Definitely!  Mike Elms of ChurchAds.net (www.churchads.net) led our singing - and the real reason for being at the hospice was that, on the bus shelter opposite, there was one of this year's special Christian Christmas ads.

One of six that are posted on bus stops around the town, its message is 'Christmas Starts with Christ' and that was what David Norley, the hospice chaplain spoke about.

Reflecting on what he said, it is important to remember, amid all the rushing around and frantic buying, that Christmas Day isn't the end point.  It really is just the beginning.  All the Christmas cards, all the presents and all the tinsel and trees shouldn't hide that fact.

The real message of Christmas is that God sent his son, born in a 'stable' at Bethlehem, as Saviour.  We can know God in Jesus: one of the names he is given, Emmanuel, means 'God is with us'. 

Whether this Christmas is the first one we're starting Christmas with Christ or whether it's the latest in a long line of such Christmases, we're all on a journey with God.  It's a journey for learning and growing in faith.  It's a journey with Jesus. It's a journey into eternity.  But, like any journey, it begins with the first step.

'Christmas starts with Christ' - a powerful message - but it is just that, a start.  Happy Christmas!