For a child has been born—for us! the gift of a son—for us! He'll take over the running of the world. His names will be: Amazing Counsellor, Strong God, Eternal Father, Prince of Wholeness.
Isaiah 9:6 MSG
Advent is over, the waiting is done.
Was it worth it?
In the busyness of the day, have you remembered to unwrap the most important present of all? This isn’t a present which you will find under the tree. It doesn’t come bedecked with bows or ribbons, it was hand delivered many years ago.
Now, given that you have already signed up to receive this reflection, or have been sent it by a caring friend, the chances are that you already know and love Jesus. But the best present of all has a built-in subscription, it’s a gift which keeps on giving.
Jesus isn’t “new and improved” (which is an oxymoron, it’s either new or its improved, can’t be both) he is the same as he always was, he always will be. But that doesn’t mean that our relationship with him will remain constant.
Every relationship requires continuous effort from both parties. Jesus isn’t going anywhere. So, on the day when we remember his birth, his humble entry into this world as the only begotten Son of God, let us remember to be thankful for all the gifts we have received.
As I have travelled round our Federation churches this year, meeting all of you and sharing your journeys albeit for a brief time, it has struck me that whilst we are filled with joy, hope, and love, we are also filled with people who are tired and weary. We are carrying burdens which the world has given us, often wrapped with bows and ribbons, which may not have been what we wanted or needed. Yet because we are living good Christian lives, we have accepted these gifts from society, the obligations, ways of behaving, facades we present to others.
Jesus has this built in feature, to ease our burdens, to share in our struggles, and we in turn walk with Him. So, on this Christmas Day, as we celebrate, let us also only accept those gifts which are good for us. We have acknowledged that we are Windswept, but that doesn’t mean we should accept the way society treats us. When the World gives us “gifts” we should feel like we can “return to sender” if they are not compatible with our love for the Lord.
Merry Christmas, and I pray that this Christmas and New Year brings you the gift of a deeper relationship with Jesus.
Oliver Kinchin
CF President