- Reclaiming LIFE

“This is the perfect time to do things differently and reclaim what might have been lost throughout 2020: generosity, joy, peace, certainty, hope, freedom and LIFE.” 

Each year, the additional expenses that creep in at Christmas time create pressure for many people. This ‘commercialised-pressure’ that squeezes already-tight family budgets, has been further intensified this year by the ongoing world-wide pandemic. 

Covid-19 has changed many aspects of our lives. We have had to adopt new habits, new priorities and new ways throughout the year, and these will undoubtedly influence how we respond during the Christmas season. 

While in previous years, festivities centred around social gatherings and bustling shopping streets, this year provides a chance for us to reflect and reclaim what Christmas is actually all about. 

Many people have shared that during isolation and lockdown, they developed an appetite to ‘do’ better and ‘be’ better this year. New hobbies and habits were formed and relationships were explored in different, and inventive ways. 

Shouldn’t we then also stop before Christmas comes and think about what’s been lost in the past, what’s really important now, and how our actions can influence others at this time of the year? 

Let’s open our hearts for what God wants to do new and fresh in our lives this Christmas, and throughout 2021. 

What would reclaiming Christmas look like for you?

Maybe, just like Mary and Joseph, it would mean remembering to trust in God especially when faced with unforeseen challenges. 

Maybe, like the shepherds, whose lives were transformed when they understood what Jesus’ birth meant - we could have that ripple effect on the people around us.

Maybe it could look like being generous by sharing God’s love with neighbours and our community.

Maybe it would mean taking time to pause and reflect on the miracle that is God-among-us. 

Maybe it means sharing the gift of ourselves with the lonely and those in our circle of family and friends who’d gain more from the gift of our ‘presence’ rather than an off-the-shelf present.

Maybe it’s about getting back to basics and celebrating the LIFE of Christ in a simple yet meaningful way.

As you look back on 2020 maybe you didn’t experience much joy. 

-You felt tired.

-You felt depressed.

-You experienced loss.

-You had personal tragedy and difficulties that filled you with grief and sorrow, frustration.

God looks at you.  He sees your life. You are valuable. You are worthy of Him sending his one and only son. God can give you strength, help, and victory in this season.

“This is the perfect time to do things differently and reclaim what might have been lost throughout 2020: generosity, joy, peace, certainty, hope, freedom and LIFE.” This will be a Christmas like no other as we unite to reclaim God’s dream for this world to experience His abundant (zoe) LIFE .