Joy and Love at Christmas

I'm running very behind.  The last few weeks have been crazy! Today we will cover two of the Advent "candles" or themes.

Love

The theme of Love lights the "Bethlehem" candle. This candle is also known as the "Faith" candle, and refers to the prophecy of Micah, who foretold the arrival of a baby, born in Bethlehem.  The baby, Jesus, was placed in a manger. The stark differences between the Son of God and a trough for animal feed, highlights just how far He was willing to 'fall' in order to rescue His children (that's us).  

Christmas is a new beginning, brought by love.  The love that God has for His creation.  The love that came from Heaven to Earth.  The love that brought a deity to become human.  Jesus fulfilled a prophecy, recorded hundreds of years before, because He loved us.  God still loves us; despite the rejection of Jesus and the commercialisation of Christmas and Easter.  The world seems to be in quite a mess these days (a mess we made ourselves) and yet, He Loves Us.  Therefore, show love to others at Christmas and everyday of the year. 

Joy

The Joy of Christmas is something we all seem to be a little confused about.  This theme encapsulates all the excitement and rejoicing of the Shepherds.  These boys would have known about the prophecy of Isiah and Micah, they knew that a Saviour was coming to rescue them. Their parents, their priests, their grandparents, uncles, aunties and cousins were all waiting for the coming of a King.  Now, watching their flocks, an angel appears to them and brings them the most glorious news.  A baby has been born in Bethlehem.  Oh, the Joy!  The overwhelming, heart bursting, face glowing Joy that only comes from an encounter with God.  The shepherds went to Bethlehem and found the baby.  They worshipped Him and they went to tell everyone they met.  They had true Joy.  

Christmas is a time when many seem to think they have to be happy and they will try anything and everything to find it.  They go to parties with people they don't like, buy things they don't need, decorate their houses, they sing songs and they dress up.  They play at being happy then feel more exhausted and empty than they did in November.  The true Joy of Christmas comes from a real relationship with Jesus. It certainly doesn't come from a shop and it can't be found at a party.  

Stop putting so much pressure on yourself to 'enjoy' the Christmas season. Instead, find the real joy of the Season in the true story of Jesus.  

Next week: Peace and JESUS!