A Christmas message from the Archbishop’s Commissary
Many of us have heard the song which tells us Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year, and yet Christmas can be one of the most stressful times of the year. In various ways there’s the who, what, why, where, when and how of Christmas.
We can be preoccupied with the What. What we have to do. What presents we have to buy. What we are going to wear to this or that event.
We can be concerned with the How. How we are going to get everything ready. How we are going to get through Christmas because of bereavement, illness or other issues and concerns.
And of course, there is the When and the Where. Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus, the coming of the Son of God into the world over 2000 years ago, in a place called Bethlehem. Although, His birth is an historical event; still, it has meaning and significance.
The Why of His coming is Good News for everyone. The good news is summed up in the name He was given. The angel of the Lord who appeared to Joseph in a dream said, ‘You are to give Him the name Jesus, because he will save His people from their sins.’ (Matthew 1:21) Jesus, through His crucifixion, death and resurrection, has made forgiveness of sin and a restored relationship with God available to all who turn to Him and put their trust in Him as Saviour and Lord of their lives.
In all our preparations for Christmas and in our Christmas celebrations, let’s be careful we don’t lose sight of the Who. Unto us a child is born, to us a son is given, … And he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6) He is the ‘Word who became flesh and made His dwelling among us.’ (John 1:14a) May our focus be on the Who; Who He is and who He calls us to be, as we choose to follow Him and live for Him in the power of the Holy Spirit.
May you know Him as ‘Emmanuel – God with us’ this Christmas. May you know His love, joy, presence, peace and power now and in the year ahead.
Ven Roderic West
Archbishop’s Commissary