About this time every year, Megan asks me, “What would you like for Christmas?”. I find it a difficult question to answer. Some of the things I might want for Christmas are beyond her budget (like a hiking tour of Iceland) or her ability to provide (peace in Gaza and the Ukraine). But imagine for a moment if you could be given anything, absolutely anything for Christmas. What would you ask for?
I assume what you’d ask for would depend on your circumstances – what you think you need most in life right now. It could be better health, a better job, or better relationships. Getting a really good gift can bring us happiness, but how long does that happiness last until you discover there’s something else that you need. Can any of the gifts on your Christmas wishlist bring you lasting fulfillment?
At the first Christmas, an angel said to a group of ordinary shepherds, “I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord”. (Luke 2:10-11). This first Christmas gift came in humble wrapping: a vulnerable and helpless child. But the Bible claims that this child is the gift we most need.
the Bible claims that this child is the gift we most need
This Sunday is the beginning of Advent, the season to remember the first coming of Jesus and to look forward to his return. Our theme this year is, “The Ultimate Christmas Wishlist”, as we look at how this child gives us what we really need: lasting joy, peace, hope, comfort, wonder, and purpose.
Advent provides us two wonderful opportunities for invitation and reflection.
Please prayerfully consider who you can invite to church during this season. Christmas is a time when people who don’t normally come to church are willing to come to church. As you know, at St Andrew’s we do Christmas in a big way: Carols by Candlelight with mince pies and mulled wine, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day services. Invite your family, friends, and colleagues to hear about the gift that they’re offered in Jesus.
Advent can also be used for deeper reflection on all that God has given us in Jesus. There are excellent Advent devotionals available either at the church bookstall in the Nest, or on the St Andrew’s page on YouVersion. The church is phasing out our RightNow Media subscription this month and encouraging all our people to make use of the free resources on YouVersion. You can find out more about it using this link.
Christmas is a time for gifts. Let’s unwrap God’s gift to us. In Jesus, we have much more than we could expect or ever hope for.
