Christmas Message from the Rector...

Within many Churches across the world, at this time of the year, you will find various depictions of the Nativity Scene, with each culture adapting it slightly for their own context, however, the characters in them never change.  You will almost certainly find the Baby, Mary, Joseph, Shepherds, Magi, and possibly even an animal or two. I bought in Peru on one of the mission trip a lovely little Nativity scene that has a distinct South American style to it.  In Holy Trinity the nativity is depicted on a banner, which was very kindly and creatively created by one of our parishioners.  When we see scenes like this it reminds us that the Christmas season is here. 

Ever since the first nativity scene appeared in our home, it became a tradition to not put the baby in the Manger until late Christmas Eve.  Often with the youngest in the house at that moment having the pleasure of doing this.   If you have been following our Facebook page, you will be aware this Mary and Joseph have been on a journey during the season of Advent.  They have visited many interesting places and been introduced to many new people.  In some ways they have become a real gospel conversation starter.  Anyway, for this year, tonight their journey comes to a conclusion where they will be placed here in Church, and during the service, the baby will be placed with them.  Thus completing this particular nativity scene.

What scenes come into your mind when you think about Christmas? Is it about parties, giving and receiving of gifts, family get-togethers, spending time with friends.  For some, Christmas is about remembering loved ones who are no longer with us, while for others is about having a well-deserved rest in the middle of the winter season. 

For Christians, Christmas is more than that.  Christmas is about the baby, who born in the most humble of surroundings, grew up and became a man who died for us.  It is about celebrating the one on whom our own particular faith journey depends.

            As the Advent Candles remind us, the Christmas Story brings us Hope, Peace, Joy, Love, and brings light into a darkened world.  In the 9th chapter of the book of Isaiah we read these words “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.”  And in Luke chapter 2 we read of the message of the Angels as they declared “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.”

            In an extremely busy world, it can be so easy to caught up in all the festivities and forget about this baby – who is the Saviour of the World.  As you partake in whatever Christmas looks like for you, take a few moments to stop and ponder the greatest gift, which has been given to the world – the gift of Jesus. God loves each of us so much that he gave his son for each one of us.  When Jesus was born, he was born with you and me in mind! 

         Christmas really is a special time of the year, and we have a lot to be thankful for.  But what will make it really special for you is to accept the gift which God gives, in becoming his child by allowing the Lord Jesus to take first place in your life.  As St. John describes “12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.”

In the well known carol “Hark the herald angels sing” Charles Wesley, wrote these words:

Hail the heaven-born Prince of Peace!
Hail the Sun of Righteousness!
Light and life to all he brings,
risen with healing in his wings.
Mild he lays his glory by,
born that we no more may die,
born to raise us from the earth,
born to give us second birth.

It is my prayer that each one of you will experience the Christmas Story for what it truly is, and experience the Joy of Christ for yourself. 

May Christ who by His holy incarnation gathered into one all things earthly and heavenly, fill you with His Joy and His Peace.

Merry Christmas