CHRISTMAS LIGHTS

My friends were concerned when I admitted that I no longer had a Christmas tree to decorate my home. Well, I am alone now and do little in the way of entertaining, so what is the point?

Wonderful, caring friends! Father Christmas, looking strangely like one of our churchfamily, arrived with a miniature tree, and set it up for me, complete with a star and other decorations. It looked lovely, but wait. He had not finished. The best was to come. He now showed me how to operate the battery so that it became adorned with tiny lights.

So now, not only do I have my candle bridge standing on one window sill, but my little tree on the other, both  gleaming brightly into the darkness. Each evening as night closes in they shine out into the night.

I hope my neighbours are reminded that Christmas is very special because it is the time we celebrate the birth of Jesus, Son of God, Saviour of the world, and the Light of Life.

25^th December. Christmas Day! It may not be the actual date of Jesus’ birth, for shepherds might not have been out in the fields in the depth of winter; and if the Wise men began their journey when the star first appeared, they  could hardly have arrived to find him still in the manger. Those who nit-pick about such details, perhaps miss out on the joy of knowing that the shepherds did hear the angels message and find the holy child, and that the wise men did indeed bring their gifts and worship him?

We may not know the actual date of Jesus’ birthday, but let us not miss out on the glory of the message with concern over accurate details. We too can rejoice with the shepherds and share the awe and worship of the wise men and if we do this by sending cards,  giving gifts, or by putting up our decorations  and trees and candles, most of all may we, in  whatever way we are able,  let the light shine out from our hearts and homes.

            ‘Oh, come let us adore him, Christ the Lord.’