The most wonderful time of the year.

There's something about Christmas.  I'm not sure what it is.  I can't begin to imagine what it's like in a hot country because the dark nights, the cold, all lend themselves to the snuggling down, watching old movies, fires blazing, drinking warmed drinks, twinkly fairy lights, candles, wonderful warm spicy smells of cinnamon, cloves and oranges.  Which in turn lend themselves to the magical and the mystery that is Christmas.

I've always loved Christmas and never quite went along with the shunning of the excesses and the pagan elements that serious evangelicals would like to speak of.  Rather for me grab back what the enemy has stolen and make this a celebration to remember.  You only have to read the Old Testament and the history of the Jewish Nation to know that feasts, festivals, celebrations, festivities all had a place.  The generous heart of God, shown in so many ways and trumped totally by the gift of our salvation through his precious son Jesus, his birth, his death, his resurrection, should only be imitated.  So be generous.  But not just to the ones you love, that's the easy part but, to quote my friend, do not be in danger of abandoning those who are already abandoned.  Think on that.  I am. 

The truth is that the 'magical and the mystery' that set Christmas apart, whether you know it or not, is the magic and the mystery of the birth of God's Son.  Born to a virgin, conceived by the Holy Spirit, God in human form, visited by shepherds, who had been visited by angels.  Visited by wise men with magical and mysterious presents.  Gold because he was a king, not an obvious one.  Frankincense because he was a priest, ready to bridge the gap between us and God.  And finally myrrh, a burial ointment because he was born to die.

Meekness and majesty, Manhood and Deity

In perfect harmony, The man who is God

Lord of eternity, Dwells in humanity

Kneels in humility, And washes our feet.

 O what a mystery, Meekness and majesty

Bow down and worship, For this is our God.

Father's pure radiance, Perfect in innocence

Yet learns obedience, To death on a cross

Suffering to give us life, Conquering through sacrifice

And as they crucify, Prays Father forgive.

Wisdom unsearchable, God the invisible

Love indestructible, In frailty appears

Lord of infinity, Stooping so tenderly

Lifts our humanity, To the heights of His throne.

Graham Kendrick

Christmas is so special that, more than any other time of the year, it causes great sadness when there is a loss. We talk about it being the 'worst time'. Those losses come in many forms, but they are all painful especially during a period when all around are celebrating.  So please, as you read this, stop and say a prayer for those who you know are sad. My prayer for my friend Daphne and for my family is that they may experience the 'peace that passes understanding'  this Christmas, directly from the one who the angels told the shepherds was the 'Prince of Peace'.