Rev Ian Hutton
Moderator
As we approach another Christmas I am aware of the many mixed feelings and thoughts that
many may have. Some will be experiencing the first Christmas without someone they have lost in the
past 12 months. Others find that Christmas brings certain people who have strained relationships
together and that is just too much. For another family it may be the first time they have really
struggled financially at Christmas time. For another person it may be facing a first Christmas or
another Christmas alone. Many other people will face unique challenges. It is for these very reasons
that we must look for the hope that Christmas brings.
Christmas is a time to remember who we are before God and what God has done for us. We
are fallen people, impacted by our inherited sinful nature that so strongly wants us to look at life
through our own lenses. We even do things that we regret. We see and feel many things but not
always from God’s perspective. The consequence of not seeing life from God’s perspective leads to a
less than satisfactory Christmas and even a loss of hope. But God sees things differently – and does
all things according to His good purposes (Rom 8:28) – even if we haven’t seen what those purposes
are yet.
As I read again some of the Biblical accounts of the events of that first Christmas I am
astounded by God’s timing and action in sending His Son from heaven to earth to enter this world, to
take on flesh, to become a baby boy, to live under the oppression of this world yet not to succumb to
it. Galatians 4:4-5 says: “But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born
under law, to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons.”
In God’s perfect timing, God sent His Son into a dark world to bring light and hope, the defeat of sin
and all its power, and to bring peace between heaven and earth, purchased with His own blood, for
all God’s people to make us His children. Wonderful News! Good News! That’s why the angel that
appeared to the shepherd’s said: “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for
all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord.
This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” (Luke 2:10-
12)
So as we approach another Christmas may we dwell not on the challenges and pressures of
the occasion, but on the hope that God has given in Jesus. That hope is not a wishful-thinking type of
hope but a sure hope that Jesus gives through His death and resurrection, a hope that gives us a
guarantee of life where He will wipe every tear from our eyes, where there will be no more death or
mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away (Revelation 21:4).
Thank you to all who faithfully proclaim the good news of Jesus thoughout the year and
especially at this time of the year. May you know God’s blessing and strength this Christmas as you
proclaim Jesus and may there be many who have a great desire to seek and know the Lord Jesus.