When my children were small, my favourite day was Christmas Eve and my favourite time was teatime. By then, there was nothing else to be done for Christmas. The shops were closed, the turkey defrosted, the cards sent, the presents wrapped. The biggest challenge now would be to persuade the children to settle down and sleep through the night!
I could snatch a few moments of peace before the chaos of the big day – making sure all the elements of dinner were timed perfectly, batteries were available and inserted appropriately, wrapping paper disposed of, lists made of who brought what for whom. I would be prepared for some disappointments – toys that broke on first use, essential pieces missing from a Lego kit, clothes that didn’t fit, crackers that didn’t bang…….
Usually the anticipation for the day was more fun than the reality. After all, in spite of all our efforts, we are imperfect and dissatisfied people living in a broken world.
However, the gift of Jesus is never a disappointment. That’s why advent is such an amazing time – this child to be born would go beyond all expectations. Mary would give birth not just to a Son but to a Saviour who would make us all able to be true sons (and daughters) of God. The shepherds and kings would worship not just a king but the king of all kings. The angels would recognise the possibility of not just a ceasefire but enduring peace on earth.
This birth changed the world, turned the earth upside down and transformed the relationship between God and humanity.
And it still does …
Happy Christmas!