What would you like for Christmas?

"What would you like for Christmas?" I wonder how many times you have been asked that question. If you are like me the truthful answer is “Nothing, thanks; I have everything I need or want.” That said, I shall be very content with some new runner bean canes, some violet cream chocs, and, best of all, my sons and their ladies with us for a few days. Things are less important to me now, and I prefer people, love, warmth, family.

There are, of course, millions of people throughout the world who do still need things; shelter, water, food, health care, as well as whatever can be offered to build up and strengthen their family lives, so when you have the opportunity to give generously to a charity, the DEC, or Shelter I hope that you will. Most of our church collections at the special Christmas services will be given away to those around the world less fortunate than us.

The song the angels sang as they proclaimed Jesus’ birth was all about intangible but even more special gifts – Peace on earth, goodwill towards all people, and the prophet made sure we understood that this child Messiah would be the Prince of Peace.

It’s sad to remember that as we celebrate the birth of the Prince of Peace the country where He was born as well as large parts of the rest of the Middle East are in the turmoil of war, terrorism and violence. Maybe what we learn from this sad situation is that the gift of peace has to be worked at, and may only become a reality once people seek it in a Christ-like way; this surely means we put other people’s needs before our own, their wants before our own, and we emulate Christ in acts of loving service and sacrificial giving