It’s that time of the year again! Christmas....it is my favourite holiday and every year it arrives sooner than expected and is over even faster. It is a time for magic, mystery and miracles, a time that is celebrated all around the world.
Christmas is the time we celebrate the birth of Christ, a little child that came to us through God to teach us how to live life and show us the way. So much mystery surrounds Jesus’ birth, life and resurrection. It is said that he was born of a virgin, which, many would think impossible. It is said that he performed miracles and healed people and brought some back to life. Then following his death upon the cross he was miraculously resurrected and came back and reassured his disciples. How could all of this be possible? To me it is one of life’s biggest mysteries and requires a very deep faith to believe but the bible teaches us that all things are possible through God.
Each year children delight in the magic of Christmas, waiting patiently (or not) for the fat man in the red suit to arrive. Santas can be seen all around the town. Children line up to put in their request for this year’s special gift and then try to be good until the eve of Christmas when Santa will magically slide down the chimney and fill their stockings and deposit their gifts. He flies around the world in his sleigh with magical reindeer and even though some houses don’t have chimneys he manages to fulfill his promise. It is a wonderful time and even the adults get caught up in the magic of Santa and delight in the joy of the children.
Christmas is a time when miracles still happen like they did long ago in a stable. People are filled with love and they share that love and joy with others. People smile and wish each other a Merry Christmas to those they pass on the street. Family and friends gather to spend time together. They come to share a meal, exchange gifts, sing carols and celebrate. In many families it is the only time that they all get together. People open their hearts to those in need and share their time and gifts with others. The love that surrounds us each Christmas is magical and it touches us all. It is a time when peace in this world seems possible and someday the miracle of everyone living in peace may actually happen.
So as I decorate my home, wrap the gifts, and bake the Christmas cookies I can’t help but think about the mystery, the miracles and the magic that happens each year at this time. I reflect on the birth of Christ, the story of St .Nick and feel the love that surrounds us all. I know this time will come and leave quickly but not before I am touched by the love of friends, family and a little baby born in a stable long ago.
