That Christmas Feeling
Image: Arun Kuchibhotla on Unsplash
Last weekend we made our annual visit to a local garden centre to collect our Christmas tree. I say we, as I was joined by two of our (adult) children, currently living at home.
When we got back, I put the tree in the stand, added the lights then the two of them decorated it accompanied by a soundtrack of Christmas pop.
We put up other decorations and lights around the house, both inside and out. When we had finished I was feeling ‘Christmassy’!
What is that Christmas feeling? Does it come from eating a mince pie, the smell of a real Christmas tree, watching a Christmas movie or perhaps writing Christmas cards?
You may be someone who doesn’t ‘feel’ Christmas at all, or even enjoy this season. I am aware that for some, Christmas is difficult or even painful.
I have observed that some people treat their faith a bit like Christmas. In other words, they need to feel that God is with them, for them and loves them.
Then there are those who do not need to feel or experience God. They tend to be people who read what the Bible, believe it and that is enough for them.
In general there are these two types of people: head and heart. I think most of us lean towards one of these, and we need a mix of both.
The most famous verse in the Bible states:
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
This is an informative statement about what God did, why He sent Jesus and the outcome for believing in Him.
Jesus came into our world and, as an adult, He interacted with many people transforming lives through His words and actions – they experienced Him.
You may or may not love all things Christmas. Let me encourage you, the Bible says there is a God who loves you and you can experience Him for yourself.
God bless you :)
Gary Bastin - Hope Community Church leader