Advent 09- Christmas!

Of course, Christmas itself is something to be glad about!  There's something about this time of year- of dreams of snow, of carols, trees and decorations, of memories of childhood joys, of celebratory meals, of presents and parties.

And its also a time when those who are better off remember those in worse situations and try to do something to help them.  From the newly-repentant Scrooge sending a goose (I think?) to the Cratchits' to the unavoidable strains of 'Feed the world' to carol singing to raise money for charity.

Even if the message of Christmas means nothing to you, there is plenty else to attract you to this time of year.  It is the one time of year when almost the whole country has a break and relaxes.  I don't think it's a bad thing, whatever the reason, to have a few days when almost everyone can have a break.  I know some people- caring professionals mostly- have to work at Christmas, but I hope that doesn't stop them having time for a break at some point.

For Christians, of course, Christmas is about much more than tinsel and trees.  It's a time to celebrate possibly the most amazing miracle ever- the birth of God's son, the coming to earth of Emmanuel, God with us.  Without Christmas, we could never have had Easter, and God's astounding defeat of sin would never have happened.  More on that tomorrow.

And yet- Christmas is also a time tinged with sadness.  There's always the thought that it could be better.  Not only through remembering those who are worse off than us.  It makes me sad sometimes to think about my friends singing carols and thoroughly enjoying it, but not considering or caring what the words they are singing mean- singing praises to God without meaning them.  I wish they did.