Granny
always made a special effort at Christmas-time.
She spent hours tramping around the shops until she found just the right
gift for each of her grand-children.
However, now they were much older.
They had everything they needed and most of what they wanted. As a result, she reluctantly, but with no
less love, enclosed money in a card. But,
as the years rolled on, she was disappointed not to see any of her family over
the Christmas period. This was made even
worse when, into the New Year, she failed to receive a single note of
thanks. All the more surprising, then,
that she was able to tell her neighbour how all of her five grand-kids had made
time this year to come over and visit her on Boxing Day. “What
changed?” asked the neighbour. “Well,” said the smiling grandmother, “this year I didn’t sign the cheques!”
Many
of us are like those grandchildren; we give and receive gifts over the festive
season, but have forgotten the reason for our celebrations. Christmas is all about God’s love for us in Christ. Without Him, it means nothing. In fact, in His absence, it is just another
excuse for extravagance; something that many in our society can
ill-afford. However, when we recall the
precious gift of God - our Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ – I hope we feel
moved to say “Thank You!”
The
Good News is that, in Christ, God signed a cheque, which reads, “My child, I love and forgive you.” So, why not do something really radical
this Christmas? Go along to your local
church and give thanks personally to our Father in Heaven for what He has
given.
Every
blessing to you for a happy CHRISTmas.
The
Revd Derek W. Hughes
Moderator
of the Presbytery of