Well folks, it's here. Christmas. Looking outside the other day, it felt more like it should be Easter, with just a dusting of melting snow on the ground and the sun shining bright and warm. Which honestly, made more sense in my head.
I don't know about you, but it has been really hard to enter into the Christmas season - or Advent as we like to call it in the Church. A season in which, with eager anticipation, we remember the birth of Jesus our Lord and Saviour, God in flesh who entered into our humanity in the most humble of beginnings, and look forward to his return. His birth wasn't just humble, it was simple. The King of the Universe entered in, and this moment that changed everything for the whole of humanity was attended by some cattle and a few lowly shepherds 2000 year ago in a barn.
Kind of takes the magic out of it when you put it that way, doesn't it? But here's the thing: the magic of Christmas is not about the large family gatherings, picking out the best presents for your loved ones, hot chocolate with your friends or carolling with your neighbours. It's not about the Christmas Eve service you have attended every year since you were born, or the relaxing tropical vacation that you have been anticipating for months.
The magic is simply this: For God so loved the world that he sent his one and only son...
Honestly, if the God of the universe can give up his one and only son for the sake of his creation, I don't think we are really giving up all that much to stay home, not gather in large groups, and wear a mask this Christmas season.
Think what you want, but the way of Jesus has always been one of self sacrifice for the sake of our neighbours. To turn the other cheek, rather than strike back out of anger even justified. To lend not just a hand, but our time and resources to those in need, even when it is inconvenient. To be gentle in our correction, but firm in conviction. To give up our selfish desires for the glory of the Kingdom of God
This year, the magic of Christmas may be harder to find. It may be quieter, smaller than we have ever experienced before. But it is there in the way that we give up our comfort and selfish desires for our neighbours, friends, family, community. It is there in the way we reach out to others who may be struggling, letting them know that we care. It is there in the way that we gather around the table simply, stripping back the commercialized, televised, Instagram-worthy aesthetics and engage in the way that the first witnesses did - in simple humility and awe.
The true magic, the magic that is the unfathomable love of Creator God for his Children, is all around us if we will just take the time to find it.
So go out and find it. Be silent. Let the presence of God surround you in humility.
And don't be afraid to let other hear what He says to you.
I would love to know what he speaks to your heart this season.
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