| ‘Christmas could be saved if we lockdown now’. ‘Government says it will do everything it can to save Christmas’. These were the kinds of news headlines you would have seen over the weekend. The emhasis is very much on ‘saving’ Christmas. But what is it about Christmas that needs saving? is it the high streets shops and restaurants that are going into another period of huge struggle? Is it the ability for families and friends to see one another? Is it the lack of ‘Christmas Spirit’ that we will all have to face from not being able to gathering in large groups for lights switch-ons and (possibly) carol services and the like. Well, undoubtably, all these and more. But every time I hear the phrase ‘saving Christmas’, I can’t help but think that it’s not us that can save Christmas, but rather Christmas that can save us. Because Christmas is more than everything I mentioned a second ago (although they are all wonderful things). It’s more, even, than the sentiment that Christmas is a sense and a spirit that is kindled in each one of us, which is highlighted in the Wonderful ‘The Grinch’ movie (which we watched with Isaac yesterday). No, Christmas is the good news of Emmanuel. It’s the announcement that God has come, in the flesh, to do away with all that separates us from him, and give us a hope that whatever life throws at us, we will one day be with him forever. Your neighbours don’t need Christmas saving. Your colleagues don’t. Wigston doesn’t. They need to be saved by Christmas. And in the 53 days until Christmas comes (whether it is saved or not), why not make that your number one prayer request? |
‘Saving’ Christmas
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