As the song chimes, Christmas is “the most wonderful time of the year”. In Australia we may not have kids jingle belling, nor carolling out in the snow, but it is still wonderful. We have gift giving, delicious foods, and summer holidays to come. For those with small children it is especially wonderful. They have so much anticipation. An early rise, present guessing, then unwrapping, delight with their favourite gifts. 

I think Christmas is meant to be wonderful. Not just for sentimental reasons, in which this season has sumptuous supply. On this day we celebrate the angel’s good news, “today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.” If you have every other cause to not find Christmas wonderful, this one reason is enough. Your family may be unbearable, your financial situation heavy, your health poor, your anxiety high, your marriage struggling, your guilt overwhelming, your parenting or parents tough going. For you a saviour has come. Our world may be fractured, at war or threat of war, in economic uncertainty, with pandemics, climate disasters, disease, poverty. For us, a saviour has come.

Jesus is God’s greatest gift to celebrate. Of course, this is true every day of the year, but Christmas day brings it into special focus. Amid all the other good on Christmas day, take time to celebrate with those you love why Jesus makes this the most wonderful time of the year. 

Enjoy,

Jason 

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