For many, the Christmas season is still the one time of year when they will make an effort to catch up with old friends, visit family members and gather together with loved ones to share a traditional Christmas dinner.
It does seem as if there is some reality and power in the spirit of Christmas to release within us goodwill, extra generosity and recognition of those people who mean most to us.
This positive side to Christmas reflects well something of what it is that lies at the heart of true meaning of Christmas.
In the birth of the Christ child the Christian church understands that God has come to his creation in the form of a human being in order to demonstrate his love, concern, care and generosity for the whole world.
Two thousand years ago the angel announced to the shepherds, “I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.”
The good news was that through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, God would make it possible for people to find true peace with God and each other.
This peace is the true spirit of Christmas which if we choose to embrace can help us to continue to demonstrate goodwill, generosity, and love not only at Christmas but the rest of the year round too.
I wish you a happy and peaceful Christmas, and a New Year full of hope for the future.
Reverend Peter Allen