Christmas

Christmas Joy

Joy to the world the Lord is come!!

That was the theme of the Christmas message at the Methodist church I now attend.

The pastor reminded us that true joy is both internal and external, it is something we treasure deep within our hearts, and also an 'infectious' attitude, that draws others to ask wherein we find that joy.

Let earth receive her King.....

If only this earth rightly understood the kingship of Jesus, things might be very different. I suppose it has to start one heart at a time, transformations that will affect those near to us. As it stands, human beings choose to be 'king and lord' of their own life with the result there is disorder in every aspect of human life.

Let every heart prepare him room......

We all know very well that there was 'no room at the inn' where Jesus' parents, Mary and Joseph sought shelter in her state of advanced pregnancy. No room for the birth of the One who would be true King. No room because he came in such a humble way - no fanfare to announce his parents, no sign they were on such an important mission.

Our call now is to prepare him room in our lives. To receive him as King and to be alert to his seeking shelter amongst us. It might be easy to miss him, for he comes today also not with much fanfare and pomp. He come quietly, unobtrusively and knocks at the door of our lives - sometimes inconveniently of course. Maybe the innkeeper said no because it would be too much trouble to have a pregnant woman giving birth at his inn. Maybe the couple looked like they could not pay. Maybe in opening our lives to Jesus we will experience much inconvenience and gain nothing that counts in the eyes of the world. Will we find room for him? In doing so, we will perhaps understand the joy that comes from relating with him.

And heaven and nature sing!

And heaven and nature sing!

And heaven and heaven

and nature sing!!

"God freely created us so that we might know, love and serve him in this life and be happy with him forever. God's purpose in creating us is to draw forth from us a response of love and service here on earth, so that we may attain our goal of everlasting happiness with him in heaven." (from Principle and Foundation , SE no 23; David Fleming SJ)