Christmas

We had a great fun evening last month making Christmas tree decorations. Kits for six different ones were on offer so we could make our own choices.

The Christmas tree is central to our decorations having been introduced to this country from Germany, by Prince Albert, in the 1800s.

When I was a child the tree, a real living one, wasn’t put up until Christmas eve.  I can remember clip on candle holders which held real candles.  These were lit sparingly, probably just on Christmas Day.  Nowadays we have a super abundance of lights, plugged into the mains electricity or battery powered and the whole thing is dressed weeks before December 25th       

Another German Christmas tradition, celebrated by many churches, is the Christingle service. The Christingle is made with an orange and a candle and was invented to help children understand that Jesus is the light of the world.

Light is one of the themes running through the Bible from Genesis when God created light to Revelation where we read that Jesus is the light of heaven.

A Bible passage which is often read at Carol services, referring to the birth of Jesus, is from Isaiah chapter 9 verse 2, “the people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.”  The apostle John opens his gospel by speaking of Jesus’ life as the light of all mankind (1:4-5).  Jesus himself said “I am the light of the world” (John 9:5)

So, as you put up the Christmas lights, think about the glory and power of light and of Jesus, whose birth we are remembering, the Light, who has come into the world to bring us life and light.

Wishing you all every blessing and a very happy Christmas.   

MC