Do not be afraid. The Saviour has been born.

The Christmas season might envelop you in child-like wonder. It might be a time of family and busyness, colour and smiles. Or it might be a time of sadness, of loss, of aloneness, of worry. Amidst the twinkling lights, TV specials, selection boxes, festive gatherings, and much-loved traditions, we don’t want to miss the gift like no other: the true source of our hope and a lasting joy.

There was a proclamation on the first Christmas: “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Saviour has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David!” Hope entered the world in the form of a tiny baby. Jesus was born.

And this changed – and changes –  everything! However you are feeling, it means God is with us (Emmanuel) through all of life. It proved that God keeps his promises – He promised to send a Saviour to set free His people. It opens up forgiveness and restoration to a relationship with the creator of the universe. It offers a joy that is not just for Christmas, but is based upon eternal truth. It contains hope for the future too: Jesus will return and bring a world without suffering.

Paul, in a letter to some of the first churches, prayed “that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope.” 

How do we find joy and peace during the hustle and bustle not only of Christmas but also of parenthood, work, health concerns, and the burdens of life in general? It begins with a simple yet profound act: trust. Trust that God’s promises are true. Trust that He is working all things for our good. Trust that the hope we have in Jesus is a firm foundation that will never falter.

I’m not pretending that finding hope, and peace, and joy, is easy all the time. That’s why Jesus gave us church – our Sunday worship and meetings through the week are a gift from God!  One congregation member recently told me that it can just be a reading, or a phrase, or a hymn in our worship that changes the whole week ahead. We gather to nurture our hope in Jesus – together – and give thanks for all that God is doing in our community. 

And that’s why we will gather across a range of services – both in Fort William Kilmallie and in Kilmonivaig – but also with other Christian churches and fellowships in the area as we share the peace, hope and joy. Christmas is often the time that people come back to church, or come for the first time, to celebrate the Joy to the World we find in Jesus as part of a community. So feel welcome if it’s been a while! 

It’s not that we can’t enjoy the commercial trimmings of Christmas – but the true Christmas, the coming of Jesus – is a gift that lasts forever, and it’s a gift best enjoyed with others. May this Christmas be a time of renewed hope and overflowing joy as we together put our trust in Jesus, the ultimate gift of love. Merry Christmas!

Rev. David Sim.