All I want for Christmas
Maria Carey recently failed in her bid to trademark the phrase ‘Queen of Christmas’ because of an objection raised by another singer, Elizabeth Chan. In explaining why she objected, Chan said, “Christmas is for everyone. It’s meant to be shared; it’s not meant to be owned.”
Christmas is for everyone, whatever their faith or belief. Christians celebrate as they remember the birth of Christ (although he wasn’t actually born on 25th December), and many, who don’t share their belief, still enjoy it as a season where we have the chance to catch up with family and friends, where we are ‘lighter’ in spirit, and where there are plenty of excuses for a good party.
For many though it will also be a time of stress and pressure, a time of tensions and arguments, a time of longing for a home they’ve had to flee because of war or violence, and a time (especially this year) where budgets are stressed beyond breaking point**.
Globally and nationally, we seem to lurch from one crisis to the next. It has been that way through all of history, but with instant global communication, the frequency of ‘lurching’ seems to be increasing... and with 24-hour news we can see it happening before our eyes.
Couple the bombardment of negative news, with the frantic pace of Christmas, and it is no wonder that people can feel stressed at this time of year… there is no room for our souls to breathe.
What do you want for Christmas?
I’m hoping for times of sharing laughter, drinks and meals with people I love, and I’m looking forward to gathering with many others at the various Christmas services and events in the area. With COVID
concerns over these last 2 years, this is the first Christmas since 2019, that we’ve been able to have all the ‘usual’ events and services on the Christmas calendar.
But I think that what I really want for Christmas is something behind all that… a desire for peace, not just for me, but for everyone. I don’t mean an absence of conflict and wars in the world, although that would be fantastic! I mean a peace that comes from a sense of
belonging, of being known, of being loved and accepted just as we are. A peace that
renews and refreshes and strengthens us for anything that life can throw at us. This is what Christians refer to as the ‘Peace of God that passes all understanding.’
Christmas is for everyone, and I pray that we would all come to know more of that Peace of God this Christmas.
Rev Barry Jackson
** The foodbank always does Christmas food boxes for our clients. And this year we’re preparing more to meet the increased need. If you, or someone you know, might benefit from a hamper, please contact Barry at barry@edgehillchuches.org