Howard Writes

"Finding time to contemplate the wonder of God’s gift to us."

St Paul tells us that “It is more blessed to give than to receive,” (Acts 20:35).

It is, they say, the time of year for giving, and we are all thinking of how we can show our love for our friends and family, by choosing the present that will really make them pleased.  However, there are also those who may be looking at things differently because of the current economic crisis and the uncertainty of the future. Nevertheless, most people will soon be trying to work through their Christmas list, ticking off the presents, if they haven’t started already.  

When we come to Christmas day itself there are always those unwanted presents. We put on a brave smile and wear that horrible red jumper that grandma has knitted for us, knowing that as soon as she has gone we will take it off, consign it to the bottom drawer, and maybe get it out again at New Year or our birthday. If you are in that position this Christmas, there are now websites offering information on recycling those presents or donating them to Charity Shops and the like. Then of course there’s al-ways E-bay.

But let’s think for a moment about the greatest gift of all, given to us 2000 years ago. God was not put off by the expense of His gift to us, though the cost was far higher than anyone of us would normally spend. It began with the unsanitary conditions in the labour ward which had not been disinfected since the animals had used it. Things were no better when the baby became a refugee, forced to flee in the middle of the night.

When he grew up he faced all sorts of attacks and opposition. As a public figure he chose a circle of trusted friends, but he was betrayed by one of these closest friends. Finally, the death he underwent was too horrific to contemplate.  Nevertheless, God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten Son (John 3:16).

Although St Paul exhorts us to give rather to receive, it is in the receiving of God’s gift that our generosity to give of ourselves to others is actually created. Christianity is actually a religion of re-sponse. We respond in love for others because God first loved us. When we receive God’s gift in our hearts, we give our hearts to him, through giving ourselves to others.

What can I give Him, poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd I would bring a lamb,
If I were a wise man I would do my part,
Yet what I can I give Him, give my heart.

Christina Rossetti - "In the bleak midwinter"

Are we really going to let God’s gift of His Son in December become our un-wanted recycled red jumper by February? Perhaps the difficulty we face is that the baby Jesus soon grows up and then begins to challenge us in the way we lead our lives.

The group Slade sing that they “wish it could be Christmas everyday”. As Christians this can actually come true if we first receive Jesus into our hearts.

Perhaps this Christmas, especially in that long period through to the New Year, we can find time to contemplate the wonder of God’s gift to us. Take time to sit with a Christmas card of the crib scene to help to focus your attention and, in the quietness, let God speak directly into your heart.

In this way, God will strengthen us through His Spirit to be able to respond to the challenges that Jesus makes in our lives.

May God grant us all a blessed and happy Christmas.