Jillian Spring, Billinudgel
Christmas time is upon us; parties, work parties, gifts – oh the clamour, gifts to buy – the joy, some people say ‘oh the hassle’ others feel they have to give gifts, often costly, and they begrudge gift giving so this is not given with love and joy.
The reason why we celebrate Christmas with special foods etc., as a time of joy and thanksgiving? For many people, a thought about why is absent. Somehow though that thread of why Christmas is special continues. It’s the time we rejoice, rejoice that Jesus, our Saviour was born. We honour Him with church services, singing, praising – Christmas carols, giving, caring, showing love, decorating our homes to show joy. For all separated / broken families to repair with Jesus Christ as their help.
The birth of Jesus in Bethlehem is God’s gift of reassurance, hope. It was there at the centre page of history that shepherds watching over their flocks by night found their darkness shattered by light. The voice of an angel saying, ‘Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy for all people; born to you this day, a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord’. A special star appeared to honour the birth of Jesus.
2020, in our conflicts and fears, the Saviour who was born still offers His presence, His peace to all who ‘know’ Him and take quiet moments to think about Him. The greatest gift was the gift God Himself gave to us that first Christmas morning. He was born with a plan – to live on Earth and teach people how to be His disciple or follower. To love.
God has a plan for your life, yes your life. Talk to Him about the plan He has for you. This will be special – just for you – because God made everyone unique. God’s bigger plan for this world is that all will come to know Him as their Lord and Saviour. Society has tried to shut Him out but He is still there. He came to save, enjoy His presence.
There are 20 religions in the world, Christianity is but one.
15.6 percent of people are outside those 20 religions and don’t believe in a God.
They are non-believers.
Just over 30 percent of the world’s 7.9 billion people are Christian believers.
What you have written Julian is belief and about belief.
It is what Christians believe happens.
Alice Johnon, No, ‘it’ is not what Christians believe will happen. We do believe yes but in a very personal God as so many of those from the religions you mention, find out when they have had the chance to hear about this very personal God who loves them uncondtionally. No sacrifice or food that is left in special places for their belief of their god/gods is needed. Jesus was the last sacrifice that sets people ‘free’, to talk to Him, confide in Him – yes – they are in awe that all they have to do, is love Him, acknowledge Him – the only God who does this & no gifts of continual food to be left in ‘worship’ places or sacrifice is needed & as time goes on, they appreciated this knowledge more and more – they ‘know’ they have a personal relationship with Jesus, the babe who was born in a stable – at Christmas and we, in this ‘modern’ time, have the words of Christians over the centuries who wrote what the Holy Spirit authored to them. Really read the words of Amazing Grace & verses of Footsteps as many a person has done & going through a rough patch, they realised they were not alone as those words ‘spoke’ to them.
Jillian
A wonderful summary of Christmas, a celebration for all of us. I felt it in carols at Christmas Eve, but saw it too in the happy lines in Ballina Fair waiting to see Santa or to have presents wrapped, and the laughter at Christmas lunch gatherings. How wonderful too that at the end of this difficult year, a special star appeared in our skies (we can pretend not to know it’s really two planets). I saw it just the once, shining brightly over the Richmond River, bringing us hope for a better 2021.
So may our Saviour bless your 2021 too.