Celebrate?

Some people get worn to a frazzle every year in the weeks leading up to 25 December, the day we should celebrate with joy that God took human form and lived among us, wanting to help us live life to the full.

Jesus Christ was holy, that is 'set apart' from others in the world, as Christmas is a holy day (holiday) set apart from the rest of the year. It is easy to set him so far apart that we lose sight of him amid the tinsel and sacks full of socks!

Jesus had no money to give, neither did he expect gifts. He was set apart not as a recluse but because he stood out from the crowd as something special, caring, loving and giving.

Christians can be set apart too, not by refusing to join in the fun but by giving and showing love just as much today. Jesus left a powerful example by his words, attitude and actions, giving practical help to all who needed it, whatever the material distractions. Give Christian love and you'll have extra resources to draw upon, so you needn't worry about an overdraft in January! Don't celebrate mere historical facts and figures… you can have Christ living in you today. So open yourself up, and celebrate a real Christmas!

	Celebrate?
	Have you ever been to a party where the person whose birth was being celebrated was pushed back to one corner of the room, maybe even kept outside the house and never mentioned? Where the guests forget to ask what he would really like from them but compete with each other to give the best money can buy, or the least they can get away with?
	Some people get worn to a frazzle every year in the weeks leading up to 25 December, the day we should celebrate with joy that God took human form and lived among us, wanting to help us live life to the full. Jesus Christ was holy, that is 'set apart' from others in the world, as Christmas is a holy day (holiday) set apart from the rest of the year. It is easy to set him so far apart that we lose sight of him amid the tinsel and sacks full of socks! Jesus had no money to give, neither did he expect gifts. He was set apart not as a recluse but because he stood out from the crowd as something special, caring, loving and giving. Christians can be set apart too, not by refusing to join in the fun but by giving and showing love just as much today. Jesus left a powerful example by his words, attitude and actions, giving practical help to all who needed it, whatever the material distractions. Give Christian love and you'll have extra resources to draw upon, so you needn't worry about an overdraft in January! Don't celebrate mere historical facts and figures… you can have Christ living in you today. So open yourself up, and celebrate a real Christmas!	Bob Kiteley Rector of Ashtead.
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