Christmas in the slow lane

“Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46.10)

Horrendous traffic jams, train network maintenance and flight cancellations have caused headaches for most British travellers this Christmas. [bbc news] We are so used to living in the fast lane, zooming through experiences with little time for reflection and contemplation. The unwelcome delays have enforced a slower pace for many. Thinking time, perhaps?

The first Christmas was an unhurried experience for most. Mary and Joseph travelled to Bethlehem with all the precaution required by a heavily pregnant mother-to-be. The wise men appear to have journeyed over many months after careful preparation. Only the shepherds ran to the manger that first Christmas night, with joyful enthusiasm and optimism. They encountered no delays – earnest seekers after God rarely get caught up in traffic jams along the way. But once they arrived at the place, hush replaced haste, awe replaced athletics, calm replaced curiosity. It should always be like this when we enter God’s presence.

So if you get held up this Christmas, make the most of it. Read the Christmas story slowly and thoughtfully. Take time out to consider the baby who had that unique name – Immanuel – God is with us.

What a fuss about nothing!

It is all biz at the moment. I am either trying to get my work up to date so that I can enjoy the Christmas break, I am going to Carol Concerts (more than one I must say), being taken out shopping or one of a hundred things that I am expected to do at this time of the year. Why all the pressure, why spend the money, what is this all about?

I actually quite enjoy Christmas, when I get everything done and have the time to relax. It is however easy to forget what Christmas is really about. It is not about the turkey, the telly or the trials of seeing Auntie Nel again. It is not about the pressies, the pounds or the problems of getting the family back together for one meal in the year.

IT IS ABOUT the fact that God sent his Son, Jesus to be the Saviour of the world. God created us but we made our choices and have disobeyed his instructions. This has brought untold harm on the human race. Disease, disaster, personal heartbreak, disappointment, death so the list goes on.

• The good news is that 'Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners' (The Bible).
• The fact is that 'The Father (God) sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world' (The Bible).
• The question is ...What will you do with Jesus?

Have a very Happy Christmas.