Let’s celebrate real meaning of Christmas

Dec 23 2008 by Our Correspondent, Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday

WHAT does Christmas mean for you this year? writes Sandy Gunn, Locum at Perth North Church.

Perhaps things are going well and you are looking forward to presents, being with family and friends, and having a good time. Unfortunately for many the thought of Christmas is just one big headache and hassle. Financial circumstances, job insecurity, or unemployment means the gulf between how you think you should feel and how you are feeling is huge. The façade can be kept up only for so long.

Worse, there is worry about a loved one ill or away from home, especially in Iraq or Afghanistan. Worse still, the loss of a loved one means it is easier to work on mechanically than think.

Whether Christmas is unreal mid-winter escapism from the routine, or you are really hurting, the real Christmas is real good news!

The real Christmas is not superficial, unreal. In Jesus God opted into the world a refugee in an occupied country in the troubled Middle East, misunderstood by family, and let down by friends. Jesus suffered and died when He was young. God understands your hurts.

The real Christmas is good news that you are valuable to God. In Jesus God opted into the mess of the world to sort the world by sorting people. “God so loved the world that He gave…” Each one of us is of lasting value to God. He offers this gift of love, inviting you to find in Jesus the lasting peace and joy which the world cannot give nor take away, and then as part of His team, to allow His love operationally to work in your life and through you to others locally and globally.

This is real good news, worth celebrating on Christmas Day… and every day in 2009!