Christmas is an emotional time.
It is a time of love. Because of our love for family, we are willing to travel miles, even inter-state or abroad, to see family.
So, Christmas becomes a time of fellowship, a time of getting together, sharing yarns, opening presents and enjoying good food.
And so, Christmas is a joyous occasion.
Many will seek out a church to hear once again the story of Mary, Joseph and the baby Jesus and how shepherds and wise men sought them out.
Carols, old and new, will be sung with gusto. People will praise and thank God for sending his Son. This will be a joyous occasion.
Christmas will also be a time of reflection. After the arrival of the shepherds and the wise men, Mary pondered all that had happened to her.
Christmas is a time to reflect on why we actually have Christmas. It is a time to reflect on God’s love for each one of us. It is because of God’s love for the world (that is for each one of us), that the Father sent Jesus.
We are told that Jesus came, not to condemn but to save. So, at Christmas we celebrate the arrival of our Saviour.
‘Peace on earth and goodwill to all men.’
At Christmas we can reflect on what peace we can have through Jesus – peace with God and an inner peace.
While Christmas is a joyous time for many, it can be a sad or difficult time for many. It was on a Christmas Eve many years ago that my father suffered a stroke which impeded him for the rest of his life. Many have lost loved ones this year and this Christmas will be their first Christmas without that love one.
While Christmas will be joyous for many, it will be a sad time for others.
While many will get together with others, some won’t have that opportunity. For many the cloud of loneliness and depression feels darker at Christmas time.
If you’re feeling lonely, sad or depressed, please speak to someone. That person need not be a professional counsellor or Lifeline. It can be any friend. There are people who care about you. We are very privileged here to have Care Goondiwindi who can assist in various ways.
Remember, you’re always welcome at any church’s Christmas Service.
At this time of the year may our love for others come to the fore and brighten up the lives of others. May we be aware of others and their love for us.
May this Christmas be a time of upliftment and love for you.
CHURCH SERVICE TIMES:
Yelarbon: Sun 22 Dec 11:00am at the Anglican church
Talwood: Sun 22 Dec 5:00pm at the Anglican Church
Christmas Eve:
– 5:30 Catholic Church
– 6:00 Anglican Church
– 6:00 GCC (Riverside Centre)
Christmas Day:
– 8:00 Congregational Church
– 8:30 Catholic Church
– 8:30 Anglican Church
– 9:00 Uniting Church
No other churches are having services on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.
