Ready or Not!

As I write this article for our magazine I have not yet made any decisions about Christmas. I've not prepared any of the special services or the carol singing sessions, there seems just too much to do. It's also true that as a family we've not made any decisions about presents for Christmas, parties, cards, or even when we'll do the shopping.

However, none of this was true about the first Christmas. God had planned it all with His Son. They knew when it would take place, how and where, and more than that they had revealed these plans clearly and openly to Israel, their chosen nation.

Isaiah 9:1-7 Nevertheless, that time of darkness and despair will not go on forever... There will be a time... When Galilee of the Gentiles...will be filled with glory. The people who walk in darkness will see a great light - a light that will shine on all who live in the land where death casts it shadow...for God will break the chains that bind His people for a child is born to us, a son is given to us and the government will rest on His shoulders. These will be His royal titles, Wonderful Counsellor, Might God, Everlasting Father, prince of Peace...He will rule for ever.

The wonderful thing is that God's plans have all been fulfilled and the child has been born, exactly where God said he would be (Bethlehem in the land of Judah - Micah 5:2) He has come and brought light into the darkness of this world and its sin, and offered peace to all through believing and trusting Him. And who is this son, this wonderful counsellor? He is Jesus, the Christ.

But let me share something else with you. In one sense it doesn't matter if I don't do my Christmas shopping or write my cards or plan my parties, they are all of secondary importance to knowing and celebrating what Christmas is really all about. It's about Jesus - God come among us to bring us new life, forgiven life, restored life.

Hark the herald angels sing
Glory to the new born King!
Peace on earth and mercy mild
God and sinners reconciled