Christmas -- or at least our modern celebration of it -- can be a complication. For the single person living alone in a new place, Christmas may mean travel to visit family, and, at this time of year, travel in uncertain weather. On the other hand, for one without family to visit or lacking the time or means to travel, facing Christmas may mean the prospect of being alone at a time when many others are getting together with others in joyful celebrations. For those with large or extended or blended families, arrangements for Christmas may involve multiple stresses in trying to accommodate different traditions or differing expectations. For those who have been bereaved during the year, the approach of December 25th may mean a Christmas without a cherished loved one physically present.

Yet we approach December and Christmas with a sense of expectation. Christmas is coming! We want to celebrate. For the essence -- the real meaning -- of Christmas is that God is with us. Jesus has become one of us, to live as a real human being with us in this world. Even if no one else is, He is with us. Therefore we can celebrate -- indeed, therefore we must celebrate!

Think for a moment about the first Christmas...

Mary's life was complicated. As a young woman engaged to be married, she had hopes and fears. When the angel from God came to tell her that she was to expect the birth of a child, she had every reason to be overwhelmed. When the time for her delivery drew near, she faced the prospect of a long and uncomfortable journey with her husband-to-be to enroll in the census in his ancestral town.

Yet amid her complications, the angel's message was very simple: "You are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High." (Luke 1: 31b-32a)

What could be more wonderful? Mary is told that God is with her. The name of her baby is to be "Jesus" -- meaning "God saves". God will save her. Her Saviour -- and ours -- is a great Saviour, none other than God himself become flesh.

What can we do other than celebrate? God is with us.

Preparations for our Christmas celebrations need not be complicated. We live, and if Jesus lives in our hearts through faith in Him, and in our lives by his Holy Spirit, all is well, even and especially amid the chaos of the world around us.

Amid all the challenges that the advent of December brings, let us take a deep breath, find a smile, and rejoice. Let us celebrate -- God is with us!

Your pastor, rejoicing in Jesus' presence and peace,
James T. Hurd