Christmas is ruined!
by Adele
Christmas is ruined.
All this year we have had bad news, Covid -19 taking the lives of families, friends and thousands of people all over the world. Economies failing and governments breaking. Food banks are overwhelmed with the need to feed. We have been in and out of lockdowns, tiers and generally don’t know where we are most of the time.
The year went on and people grew more anxious, “Am I going to be able to see my family this Christmas?” “will I be able to return home this Christmas?” The time came for the government to announce the big news. The news everyone had been waiting for, we are allowed to mix 3 households for 5 days over Christmas! Huraay! Christmas is saved.
Then the virus took a hold again and we were dealt the devastating blow that the 5 day rule was reducing to 1 day and London was escalating into Tier 4. No mixing for them. And although some Northerners laughed at their expense and mocked them now being in a higher tier than us for the first time all year, there was a sense of melancholy to it all.
People wouldn’t be able to see their family; people will be alone this Christmas! What a terrible thing to happen! Christmas is ruined!
Our lives go on day to day incorporating social distancing and covid safe rules. Christmas will indeed be different this year but not ruined.
The reality is, Christmas can NEVER be ruined. Because on this day God sent his only son to sacrifice himself for us! He endured a lifetime worth of suffering for our bad year of suffering. And through all the bad came some good!
John 14:27 Says “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid”
I am certainly not afraid, Christmas is definitely different this year but we all have the knowledge that Jesus will come again and we will enter the kingdom of God and that’s better than any Christmas present I have ever received.
Matt spoke about Hope in a sermon a few weeks back and one hope I do take from this year is the hope that people don’t forget the true meaning of Christmas.
Happy Birthday Jesus! And Merry Christmas to you all!