What do you want for Christmas? What do you need for Christmas? If I am honest with you I could do with extra time, more money and lots of helpers to make sure it runs smoothly. In reality this does not happen. It is like an obstacle course that has to be done annually to get through to the finishing line – Christmas Day. Each year the roller coaster begins and you get on the ride of ups and downs to experience the thrill of Christmas. At its best it can gather family and encourage giving. At its worse it can highlight family tension and separation. But is that it?

In the last few days I was preparing a craft for a Christmas meeting I was going to. I wanted something that would communicate a message about the true meaning of Christmas. I thought about gifts that cannot be bought – love, hope and peace. In the end I decided to focus on peace and made some small brightly coloured parcels that could be hung on a Christmas tree. On each parcel I placed the word peace. As I did this I was reminded of the verse in the bible that is often read at Christmas from Isaiah 9:6 “for to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” NIV

On the night I became a Christian I felt peace. It was a gift that I received not because I had earned it or deserved it. Not because I had strived for it or bought it. It was a gift given to me because I had chosen to follow Jesus. It was not dependent on how rich or poor I was. I was not even asking for God to speak to me. I just asked the question “what’s the point?” And then I was surprised but totally and utterly overwhelmed by encountering the love of God. Isaiah 65:1 says “I revealed myself to those who did not ask for me; I was found by those who did not seek me.” NIV In many ways God was not on my mind that night. I was just disillusioned with myself and others.

The good news is that God never lets us down. Sometimes other people do including Christians but God never leaves or forsakes. He is ever present in times of trouble. The gift of peace and love I received that night has been an anchor. I do feel anxiety at times but I know where to go with it. I pray. I ask God to help me. I ask for his peace. I say sorry to God for any grudge or wrong attitude I hold against anyone. I pray for him to change my heart. And time and time again he has. This has been life changing not only for myself but for others. I have gained wisdom and grace in places of challenge and difficulty. Integrity has been my guard and the wisdom of the bible has helped me live right.

In the end I put two parcels together on a cord to hang on a Christmas tree. I was reminded of the promise in Isaiah 61:7 “instead of your shame you will receive a double portion, and instead of disgrace you will rejoice in your inheritance.”NIV Another translation says”instead of confusion they shall rejoice in their portion”. King James 2000 Bible

Also the two parcels on one cord reminded me of the need to share with others that there is a gift of peace. The gift of peace I received when I became a Christian cost Jesus his life. Isaiah 53:5 says “but he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.” NIVUK Jesus died on the cross that we may have peace.

This Christmas when you see a nativity scene on a Christmas card or on display somewhere remember that Jesus grew up. He did not stay a baby. He grew up to be a man. During his time on earth he healed people, delivered people from evil spirits and taught others about the Kingdom of God. He proclaimed freedom to the captives. He challenged the established power structures and related to people in a radical way giving them value no matter what their background or position in society. He was betrayed and then crucified on a cross. He rose again three days later. He died for my sins and yours. His punishment brought me peace. Peace with God. This has been the greatest gift I have ever received or will receive.

I usually put out my nativity scene first in the lead up to Christmas as by this action I want to say Christmas is all about the birth of Jesus. Lots of other traditions have been added but even in the enjoyment of these it is all about coming back to the true meaning. Perhaps this Christmas is an opportunity for you to do this for the first time or maybe to return to God? Nothing material will ever satisfy. We may enjoy the material but ultimately it will not comfort the ache in our heart or bring peace. It is all about relationship with him. Others may let us down and may have let us down. But God will never let us down. He forgives. He restores. He transforms. He gives us a hope. He gives vision. He helps us in all our challenges and difficulties. He loves.

This gift is there for all. All we have to do is receive it. To believe in him and ask him into our hearts and lives.