Preparing ourselves for Christmas

1 Dec 2018 • Articles

Dear all,

Last month, Steph wrote about peace and the challenge of finding that feeling of peace in the turmoil and adventure of daily life. We especially focussed on peace over the Armistice Centenary weekend, and now we will be focused on the birth of Jesus, God’s son, the ‘Peace Child’.

But how, I ask myself?

Last week I had a lovely look around our local farm shop, with its special Christmas Shop full of sparkle and cuteness. Lots of furry animal decorations, pheasants and penguins, every kind of snowflake and holly leaf. And food, glorious food! In beautiful tins, and boxes and wrappings, and bottles and jars. Yummy indeed, and such a treat.…. but where is Jesus, the bringer of hope, love and peace, in all this; where is the Christ in “Christmas” in the UK in 2018?

What can I do?

Probably start with myself and God. With a little help from a Tearfund Campaign for the Real Advent, a daily reflection to prepare me for Christmas https://www.tearfund.org/en/about_you/resources/christmas

I am also challenged by Jesus to share some of that love, peace and hope with others. The Bible Society can help me to take on 24 acts of kindness to show those around me that there's more to Christmas than they might have first thought... With a choice of three challenges each day, I can take practical actions throughout Advent to share the meaning of Christmas with those around me. Why not unpack the nativity story in the light of Scripture in daily reflections — and put the lessons into action. https://www.biblesociety.org.uk/get-involved/adventchallenge/

As far as giving and receiving presents is concerned, it’s truly lovely to be given something special and chosen for me but can it also be something that helps someone else? Because it’s Fairtrade, or environmentally caring, or even an alternative gift via me to someone who doesn’t have the food, water, home and security that I do? And whilst we won’t be eating dry bread and water as a family this year, we know that we are blessed and will try to share what we have, maybe via Crisis at Christmas.

Let’s be real about our Christmas preparations, as we claim Christ as our Lord and Saviour. Let’s share His love and peace throughout the joy, and sometimes the pain, of the season.

And maybe I will ask in the farm shop if they could have some shepherds, and kings amongst the decorations on sale? And even a space for a crib?

What will you do?

Lesley White

Area coordinator for all 11 Uttoxeter Area churches.