Today I’m wondering why, of all the places and time constraints we have placed upon ourselves, why you’re here, on a Wednesday morning, in the middle of the week. After all we gathered here just a few days ago and we will gather again in a few days time? So, why are you here?
Throughout December we have been waiting, and preparing for today, we have finished with the waiting and preparation. Today we are not only celebrating the birth of our Saviour, The Light of the world, The Messiah, we are also here to reflect on the impact and implications of His arrival into our world. In this beautiful season, we are reminded of the incredible love Jesus Christ has for each of us, the commitment and faithfulness He calls us to, the unwavering hope He brings, and the joy that transforms our lives, and ultimately the Good News and peace He brings into an often broken and distraught world.
John’s words have passed through history ‘For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.’ I realise that to say Love is a splendid thing is a cliché, but it really is! When we hear the word spoken to us it makes the hearer feel quite splendid. The fact that God is saying that to us — that we are loved — we know it’s splendid. God’s extraordinary act of love is not just an historical event, that even Josephus the ancient historian includes in historical account, it’s also a testament to our Creator’s character. God’s love is unconditional and all-encompassing. It envelops us in our brokenness and lifts our despair. The child born in Bethlehem is a tangible expression of that love, sent not only for the righteous but for all humanity – for the lost, the weary and the broken. This great and awesome gift is a reminder that we are valued and cherished by God.
As we contemplate God’s love, we’re also called to respond to it. Our lives should reflect our commitment and faithfulness to Christ. Imagine for a moment, if you will, just how different our world and communities would be if that were to be the case each day. If we and our wider communities were able to project kindness and compassion to everyone we encounter – beyond those we are comfortable to be around and those who are sharing our faith journey with. Jesus said, ‘If you love me, keep my commandments.’ This Christmas, let us recommit to living according to the ways of Jesus, allowing our actions to resonate with His love. Through our faithfulness, we become vessels of God’s love, radiating His light into a world often overshadowed by darkness.
In our commitment of walking with the Light of Love, we find and experience our source of hope. The arrival of Christ’s humble birth brings the promise that no matter how challenging life may seem at any time of the day or night, Christ’s light finds its way through the smallest of cracks – we are never alone in our troubles. This hope is not a fleeting emotion; it is a confident assurance grounded in the character and promises of God. Paul reminds us in Romans 15:13, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” On those occasions when you do feel isolated, challenged by life’s circumstances – I encourage you to look for your hope and peace in Christ, because He has trod this path before you and knows the way to lead you forward into peace. This hope can instill strength and courage during our trials, allowing us to persevere with faith and not to give in or give up.
And then there’s the joy – Oh my very goodness the complete joy, that comes from knowing Jesus. It is a deep-seated joy that doesn’t have a boundary, nor is it dependent on our circumstances. However, it is anchored in the truth of who Jesus Christ is. You can have all the money, the power, the goods, the friends, the flashy cars, everything, but if there’s no authenticity to having Jesus in your life, where is your ultimate source of joy coming from? Joy that comes only from the self, is no lasting joy at all because it won’t last the test of time or tribulations.
Luke reminds us that the angels proclaimed, ‘I bring you good news that will cause great joy for the people.’ This joy is a gift from the Holy Spirit that rejuvenates our hearts and minds. It prompts us to celebrate with hope in all circumstances, when we find our joy in Christ, we enable ourselves to cultivate a spirit that uplifts not only ourselves, but those around us.
So, my dear friends as we gather around our Christmas trees and tables this season, let us remember the life changing love of Christ, commit ourselves to a life of faithfulness, embrace the hope and peace He gives us, and share the joy that is ours in Him. The birth of Christ is not just a story; it is a reality filled with implications for our lives.
So………..why are you here?