They will need fed, watered, and entertained. I have lists to beat the ban – food, drinks, presents, more food in case we run out of food……it will be a wonderful chaos!
I am also really grateful, as my son, who lives in Vancouver, will be home with his new wife for Christmas, for the first time in thirteen years. You can hold two things together at the same time – chaos, and utter joy.
As we face into the next few days, for some people this isn’t a joyous day. They are alone, or sad, or financially strapped, and Christmas can be a bit of a nightmare.
In Matthew’s gospel, when Jesus was tempted by the devil in the wilderness, he says this: ‘man does not live by bread alone.’
All the food and gifts in the world would never be enough for us to be whole and happy. So, if we don’t live by bread alone this Christmas, what is it that we do live by? ‘’every word that comes from the mouth of God.’
Whether we are happy or sad this Christmas, whether we have all the money in the world or are struggling to make ends meet, whether we are looking forward to family time or dreading it a little, the truth is the same – our happiness will never lie in material things.
They have their place, and they can bring great pleasure – and I, for one, am immensely looking forward to it. But as people of faith, we depend totally on what God says about us.
What does he say then about us? Isaiah 49 v 16 says this – ‘See, I have inscribed you on the palms of my hands.’ The truth is – we are never alone.
The Lord God has died and etched your name in the palm of his hands, so that you will know that he loves you and that he will be with you always, no matter what your Christmas brings.
Now that is good news indeed. Happy Christmas, everyone!