Merry Christmas. I hope this Christmastide finds you well. I was thinking about how we keep Christmas throughout the whole of this short season in the church. I have been pondering two special days that happen every year for me.
The first is Boxing Day, also known as the feast of St. Stephen. His sacrificial gift of a witnessing life stands out as an example of how much people were willing to give for their faith. Some 1600 years later this practice became part of the service of the church formally. The English historian and diarist Samuel Pepys records himself contributing to a Christmas box in 1663. Then the tradition was maintained to give gifts to the poor and tradespeople afterwards. Lately, it has become something else entirely. The taking back of unwanted gifts and seeking of deep discounts has ruled the day for some while now.
The other blessing and gift that I have been pondering this week is our anniversary. This year Pam and I have been married 46 years. I am amazed at how the time has flown by. I am also amazed that my wife is still putting up with me. The gift of commitment is very dear to me in her steadfast love. Which brings me to one last gift.
In Deuteronomy 26, we read how Jacob was a 'wandering Aramean' and God took care of him and his family. Therefore, they are to take care of all the others who live with them and around them. And that care and gifting we celebrate also in the early life of Jesus. In Matthew 2 is the story of his and his family's protection. So, from the end of 2022 into the start of 2023, we need also to remember how God, Jesus and Holy Spirit have provided for us, gifted us and blessed us. Then, we can take that blessing and spread it to others who need it.
I close this blog by wishing you a blessed New Year. When I write again, it will be 2023 and that means that we are not that far from having completed the first quarter of the first century in the 2000s. More on that next year. Pr. Scott
