Advent Four...
The Birth of Jesus
2 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while[a] Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to their own town to register.
4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.
For many of us, this is a Christmas like no other, with lots of rules in place to keep each other safe from Covid-19. Most of us will spend the day in much smaller gatherings than normal, and some will be on their own. I saw a post earlier in the week that said, ‘369 days until a real Christmas’ and perhaps that is how you are feeling today. Yet, that first Christmas had its own rules, as Jesus’ parents made their way to Bethlehem to be counted and, when the time arrived for Jesus to be born, they soon discovered that there was nowhere for them to stay – far from ideal! The truth is, the perfect Christmas of films and greeting cards doesn’t really exist very often and the real Christmas, will happen anyway.
For over 2000 years ago, in a back of beyond place, in a dirty stable, a baby was born, to show us not only that God loves us, but to remind us that God doesn’t wait for things to be perfect before moving into the neighbourhood. Far from it! God shows up in the mess and the chaos and the far from ideal and will do so again this year. So, may we make room in our homes, hearts and lives for Him this day and know something deep within of the hope that Jesus offers and brings.
The joy and peace of the Christ-child be with you all!
YouTube links to the Waterfront Service on Christmas Day.
Clydebank Waterfront Parish Church - Christmas Day Worship, 25th December 2020 (Live at 9am)
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