Christmas

 

At Christmas, on 25th December, the church celebrates Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem. A young couple, Mary and Joseph, had to make a difficult journey against their will, to register with the occupying regime. While they were away from home, Mary’s baby was born, in a stable among the animals, because there was no other shelter for them. This baby was special though: the Son of God.

 

His title ‘Immanuel’ means ‘God with us’. This reminds us that God is not a distant power who watches us and judges us, but a God who loves us all so much that He lives with us, sharing the pain and difficulties of our everyday lives.

 

Shepherds, ordinary working people, were told of this wonderful event by the angels, and they were the first to worship Jesus.

 

The colours of this wonderful celebration gold and white, and celebrations continue until Epiphany, or Twelfth Night.