Christmas Message as Sea Cadet London Area Chaplain

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The birth of Jesus is a celebration you can join with in so many different ways. For many of us it means beautiful worship, profound reflection on the good news of Peace and Goodwill to all people that the angels announced. For the Christian Christmas is a renewal of our faith in the love and care of God. Christmas is not just about directly religious observance. It also means visiting family and friends; volunteering to help the needy; having some blessed time off. It is a time when many have lots to eat and drink, presents to give and receive, decorations and lights to enjoy. You can join in whatever your faith and whatever you might think about the child born in the manger.



The world honours power and strength, fame, charisma, success and wealth. Christmas is about none of those things. Jesus was a baby, and that is his power. Just as when a baby reaches out with a tiny hand, grips our finger and holds us with the power of trusting weakness, so the Christ Child draws us to himself with love. While we would not celebrate a political leader, or a royal, or a celebrity like this, the very weakness of the little baby is attractive to millions, Christians and others, who keep Christmas in so many different ways.


You might not have presents and lights and food and drink and nice people round you at Christmas. You might be missing someone you used to see at Christmas but see no more. But because it is about a little, weak, loving baby you don’t need those things to be happy at Christmas. The message of Christmas is that real happiness lies in love which serves others and thinks about their needs first. The other things are all lovely and nice to have; but in themselves they don’t make us happy. Love of others, which draws forth their love for us; love of God who loved us first is what makes us happy. So whether you have lots or little; whether you are lonely or surrounded by (too many) other people; whether you are a Christian or not, Christmas can show you how to be truly, profoundly happy.

My prayer is that you will have a wonderful Christmas however you keep it.

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