Keep Christ in Christmas

What a privilege to write to you all at this Christmas time as we pause in the middle of our lives to think again about Christmas. 

These are interesting times in which we live. As with other parts of the world, the signs of recovery from recession are slow in coming to Bermuda. 

The need for jobs is high. The SAGE commission report is creating unease. Cabinets reshuffle. Year-end targets still need to be made. A New Year is approaching. 

Glitter

Many families are under stress, and yet Christmas is upon us with all of its hype and glitter. 

For some this is a time of distraction, an escape from the pressures, a happy time with family and friends. 

As a father of six children myself I know how excited the household can be! 

For others it only creates more pressure. And the more commercial it becomes the more remote from its roots. 

In some places the word ‘Christ’ in Christmas has been replaced by the letter ‘X’. 

One commentator has said that the X in Xmas stands for expenditure, expectation, excitement, excuses, excess, exhaustion, exuberance, exhibitionism, extravagance and if things go wrong explosive expletives!

But if we pause and reflect again and unwrap all that glitter there is a wonderful gift to be found inside. 

This gift was announced in a message that angels brought to a group of hardworking and largely irreligious shepherds 2000 years ago. 

The world of the shepherds was a harsh world –– they lived in dark times –– an occupied country, internal political division and fear from a despotic puppet king. They lived with all the longings we have for a new day –– for God to do something to change their lives.

Many of us watched the fireworks at the boat parade when the skies above Hamilton Harbour were filled with light. 

Two thousand years ago on the hillside outside of Bethlehem, these shepherds were totally surprised as their skies were filled with flaming angels who proclaimed that in the midst of their lives God was doing a wonderful new thing. In the midst of Bad News he had a message of Good News. And it was Good News not just for a few interested persons but in fact for all people throughout all of history. 

A saviour was coming into this world. 

Elsewhere we read he was God in the flesh, visiting the world He had made in order to bring spiritual rebirth and eternal hope, a New Beginning and the offer of peace.

Spiritual freedom

Following the death of Nelson Mandela, his daughter, Makaziwe spoke of his most precious legacy –– that of spiritual freedom “that can only come through forgiveness. It takes huge courage to forgive. It is a very difficult thing.” She said, “I think he knew that if he didn’t forgive, he would be forever imprisoned spiritually. The lesson we can learn from his life is to have the courage to forgive.” 

This lesson is one he and countless others have learned from the Saviour who was born on that first Christmas –– who still brings true spiritual freedom to those who call upon him –– and with it comes forgiveness, hope, life and joy. 

These are gifts given to all regardless of circumstance or background and they are the heart of my Christmas wish for you all. 

Hear again the good news –– a Saviour has come into the world bringing forgiveness, hope, life and joy. 

In the carol ‘O little town of Bethlehem’ it says “Where meek souls will receive him, still the dear Christ enters in.”

May he enter into your lives and homes this Christmas and always, and may God grant all of you in the midst of your family celebrations to know his blessings –– may the song of the angels well-up in your hearts today and always “Glory to God in the highest and peace to his people on earth!”