As we busy ourselves with our Christmas preparations, buying and wrapping presents, sending Christmas greetings and celebrating with friends and colleagues, perhaps we need to take time to press pause and reflect a while.
John the Baptist is a key figure in our Advent readings in Church.
We hear how John prepared the people for the adult Jesus: “Prepare a way for the Lord, make his paths straight”.
He does not wear party clothes or a Christmas jumper, but camel hair and he does not feast on fine food and wine but eats locusts and wild honey. He calls the people to change their lives, to be fair in their dealings with others and to share with those who have nothing.
And we do try and make a special effort to support charities at this time of year.
However, the change that John the Baptist is calling people to is not just for Christmas. It is a “metanoia”, a complete change of heart and mind so that life is lived differently, and that is what the birth of Jesus Christ in our world brings.
Yes it is a reason to celebrate, because God, in his love for all people, sent his Son, born as one of us to bring us back to union with God through the cross.
A time to celebrate, Immanuel – the God who is with us, but also to remember that we should live a life of love and justice in all things throughout the year.
Sue Cooper from Corpus Christi Church in Wokingham, writing on behalf of Churches Together in Wokingham
