My 2 daughters are incredibly excited. Ever since the advent calendars came out they have known Christmas is on the horizon. As decorations go up, lights appear along the street, and presents gather around the tree the excitement and joy has been building.
For at least 400 years, people had been waiting for the Messiah God had promised would come. Multiple generations had gone by as they waited for the promised one who would lead them into freedom and give them hope. They had been waiting so long that any excitement and joy had disappeared. For me, the excitement and joy of Christmas comes on Christmas Day because the waiting is over. God’s promise to bring hope and freedom to all the world has come and is cradled in a manger. Jesus is here; born in a stable, announced by angels and worshipped by shepherds and magi and you and me. In the excitement and joy of the festive season, I pray you will know the joy of freedom and hope that Jesus brings. From all at FMC we wish you a very Happy Christmas, and a blessed 2020. Rev Dan About 2000 years ago, a baby boy was born in Bethlehem, and placed in a manger because there was no room in the inn. Most people in Bethlehem that night slept, unaware of what was occurring just around the corner. 2000 years later, who would have imagined that a baby boy placed in a manger would continue to have such an impact on individuals and communities.
Across the world, communities and even families Christmas traditions are aplenty. For me and my family, we would always cross our arms to pull crackers before we tucked into our Christmas dinner, my Gran would always give us a sugar mouse, and (unless it was pouring with rain!!) we always went for a Christmas Day afternoon walk – to burn off some of the turkey dinner if nothing else! Sometimes it’s the little, somewhat insignificant things that actually hold significance. A bit like how a baby placed in a manger passed many people by that night, little and insignificant. And yet, in time, the boy grew up and became significant, and continues to be for many today. So however you are celebrating Christmas this year, remember that even little things can hold great significance. I pray you all have a very Happy Christmas, and blessed 2019. Rev Dan |
Rev Dan BalsdonMinister at Felpham Methodist Church Archives
November 2021
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