Christmas is a time of sharing the wonder of God who pitched his "fleshly-tent" among us in the person of Jesus of Nazareth, born of a woman - very flesh of our flesh, very God of very God. So Christmas should be a time for thanksgiving, generous hospitality and togetherness. A time for unmerited favour.
When we think of the Christmas story, we should not only reflect on the wonderful birth of the Saviour of the World, but also the other actors in the story:
the hospitality of the innkeeper who provided a place for Mary and Joseph, despite having no room to offer; the understanding of Joseph to devote himself to a fiancée carrying a Son of the Holy Spirit; the loyalty of Mary, a young virgin, to trust God and the plans he had for her and her family; the shepherds and magi who, despite very different backgrounds, each travelled to pay homage to the newborn King; and the Angels - God's messengers - who brought to the shepherds, the good news of great joy for all the people, and sang of God's Glory and peace on earth.
All these actors were brought together by God for a purpose, to be part of the birth of the Saviour of the World and the Prince of Peace. The start of a new historic chapter in God's World. Jesus' Coming, Dying and Rising is the proof of God's love. All springs from the love of God. He did not come to change God's attitude towards us. He came to show us what it is and always was. He came to reveal, unanswerably, that God is love.
Let us all take time to remember those in our community who may be feeling very lonely at this time. Whether it is those who have lost loved ones; or whose families have grown up and moved away; or those that are serving in the armed forces (or at home waiting for the safe return of their son, daughter or loved one); or those who find themselves homeless or in prison. We are called to show a generosity of spirit and commitment to everyone, regardless of their religion, colour, gender or ethnicity. For Jesus Christ, Emmanuel, God with us, was born to save us all, and is Lord of all.
I hope that you will have a peaceful and blessed Christmas and will find time to enjoy the company of those God has placed around you. May the Angels' song at the Birth of our Master and Saviour be your song and bring joy to you and your community. God is with us.
When we think of the Christmas story, we should not only reflect on the wonderful birth of the Saviour of the World, but also the other actors in the story:
the hospitality of the innkeeper who provided a place for Mary and Joseph, despite having no room to offer; the understanding of Joseph to devote himself to a fiancée carrying a Son of the Holy Spirit; the loyalty of Mary, a young virgin, to trust God and the plans he had for her and her family; the shepherds and magi who, despite very different backgrounds, each travelled to pay homage to the newborn King; and the Angels - God's messengers - who brought to the shepherds, the good news of great joy for all the people, and sang of God's Glory and peace on earth.
All these actors were brought together by God for a purpose, to be part of the birth of the Saviour of the World and the Prince of Peace. The start of a new historic chapter in God's World. Jesus' Coming, Dying and Rising is the proof of God's love. All springs from the love of God. He did not come to change God's attitude towards us. He came to show us what it is and always was. He came to reveal, unanswerably, that God is love.
Let us all take time to remember those in our community who may be feeling very lonely at this time. Whether it is those who have lost loved ones; or whose families have grown up and moved away; or those that are serving in the armed forces (or at home waiting for the safe return of their son, daughter or loved one); or those who find themselves homeless or in prison. We are called to show a generosity of spirit and commitment to everyone, regardless of their religion, colour, gender or ethnicity. For Jesus Christ, Emmanuel, God with us, was born to save us all, and is Lord of all.
I hope that you will have a peaceful and blessed Christmas and will find time to enjoy the company of those God has placed around you. May the Angels' song at the Birth of our Master and Saviour be your song and bring joy to you and your community. God is with us.
+ Sentamu Ebor
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