It doesn't matter whether you are a Catholic or Protestant, lapsed Catholic or lapsed Protestant. Or maybe none of the above you! You can't escape Christmas.
We all shop. Christmas is heaven sent for shops and supermarket - they couldn't survive without it. Everyone is telling us we must make Christmas special: special gifts, special food, special decorations. And the family! This must be a special time for the family. No wonder Christmas preparations are stressful.
Well during this special season, I would like to give you a gift - a suggestion. Somehow, somewhere on Christmas day take some time for yourself. Just slip a way for couple of minutes to somewhere quiet.
In the quietness think of those close to you who have supported you in difficult times and been there for you. Let it sink in how much they mean to you, and how your life is bound up with theirs. If there are children around, think of their dependence upon you, and despite all their pranks and tantrums, how they couldn't be who they are without you.
For so many of us children are the heart of Christmas. It's not surprising really. The Christmas story is all about a child. It's a true story of how God came to be close to us, as a child. He grew up and gave everything he had to loving others.
All this to tell us how valuable each one of us is, in God's eyes. How much God loves you and me.
Whether or not your plans for the special Christmas have worked out or not. Whether or not you feel your life is fulfilled or rather empty, you are loved. That is the message the Christ child came to bring to our world. That is God's Christmas gift to you.
In the space you have given yourself, on your own, take that message in. It will make your day. It could change your life.
God be with you this Christmas.
+Trevor