Mothers’ Union Devotion Christmas 2021

At this time of year, we have our memories jogged to years gone by when we hear or watch videos of particular Christmas songs and carols. Some bring back good memories, our favourite artists, our favourite fashion, the friends we shared them with. Others we watch in disbelief that the producers ever thought that was a good idea.

Many of our most beloved carols owe their lyrics to a lot of poetic license. They conjure up the birth of our Saviour with a spirituality and poignancy that is real, even if the facts seem a little unlikely. But when listening to one particular pop recording of a carol I was struck by just how biblical it was. The carol which got me thinking was Mary’s Boy Child by Harry Belafonte. I played my parent’s recording over and over again as a child. Such a wonderful voice. The words really seem to get to the core of the message of Christmas. One I imagine those in charge who tried to ban Christmas and singing in church would almost have approved of. And here I mean the 17^th century puritans not the Welsh Government.

The apparent simplicity of this message is beautiful:

Long time ago in Bethlehem

so the Holy Bible says

Mary’s Boy child Jesus Christ

was born on Christmas Day

Hark, now hear the angels sing

A new king born today

And we will live forevermore

Because of Christmas day

These words may sometimes be hard to believe particularly when you are grieving and missing loved ones at this time of year. But that does not make them any less true. Jesus was born on Christmas Day to open the gates to eternal life for all people. This simple message is worth more than anything else in the world. So, our response should be anything but simple or understated. Our celebrations should be as extravagant as we want. Overflowing with joy and wonder at the gift of eternal life which came in the form of a baby born and laid in a humble manger in Bethlehem

So, whatever is your family tradition, whatever your choice of food and drink, whatever entertainment you indulge in. Embrace it wholeheartedly. Celebrate, enjoy, and give thanks. Expressing your overwhelming joy at the arrival of this baby, the Christ Child, the Prince of Peace, the New-born king, the Light of the World in human flesh. The Light the darkness can never extinguish.

I wish you all a Joy Filled Christmas.

Enjoy yourselves.

Love

Revd Sandra