The run up to Christmas seems to get earlier every year, and the expectation of what 'the perfect Christmas' should be fills our screens through adverts, feel-good films and Christmas food displays in supermarkets. But this ignores what Christmas is really about - the celebration of God with us and the space to reflect on who Jesus is and what His purpose is.
Luke 9: 20 - 27 (MSG)
20-21 He then asked, “And you—what are you saying about me? Who am I?”
Peter answered, “The Messiah of God.” Jesus then warned them to keep it quiet. They were to tell no one what Peter had said.
22 He went on, “It is necessary that the Son of Man proceed to an ordeal of suffering, be tried and found guilty by the religious leaders, high priests, and religion scholars, be killed, and on the third day be raised up alive.”
23-27 Then he told them what they could expect for themselves: “Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You’re not in the driver’s seat—I am. Don’t run from suffering; embrace it. Follow me and I’ll show you how. Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to finding yourself, your true self. What good would it do to get everything you want and lose you, the real you? If any of you is embarrassed with me and the way I’m leading you, know that the Son of Man will be far more embarrassed with you when he arrives in all his splendor in company with the Father and the holy angels. This isn’t, you realize, pie in the sky by and by. Some who have taken their stand right here are going to see it happen, see with their own eyes the kingdom of God.”
Success in our culture is measured by wealth, both monetary and in having the right things, the latest gadgets, car, beautiful home, more is better and we are somehow entitled to have this. But for many of our clients, their suffering can feel like failure, rejection by society, a struggle even to get the basic necessities of life that everyone should be entitled to.
But what good is gaining everything we want and losing the real self? Jesus suffered for us and suffered with us and does not promise a life free of care set apart from the suffering of the world, but expects us to use our experiences of suffering to carry on His work, loving those who are unloved, helping those who do not fit into the expectations of society, loving those who are alone and suffering so that we can see the Kingdom of God with our own eyes now in our communities.
Christmas Hampers
Yesterday the team started ordering for the Christmas Hampers for our clients! Christmas can be a hard time of year for those struggling with debt, with many feeling they have to provide a 'normal' Christmas for their family, adding to already stretched finances, or others who are estranged from their families or feel alone and isolated with little to celebrate at Christmas. We hope that the Christmas Hampers help bring a little of the true meaning of Christmas to our clients, that it is about the love of Christ come into the world, something that we can all celebrate and share whatever our circumstances.
Prayer
Please pray for all those who are suffering for whatever reason, that they would know the love and support of Jesus who suffers for them and suffers with them.
Please pray for all our clients, especially for those who feel alone or are estranged from their family. Pray that the love of the Ely and District CAP team will help rekindle strength and purpose through the sharing of the love of Jesus and the knowledge of His kingdom come.
Pray for our team as the busy Christmas season approaches, pray for strength to meet the many different situations they will face over the coming weeks and for time for rest and refreshment to be ready to meet these challenges. Give thanks for all that they do to carry on the work of Jesus in our communities.
Give thanks for the gift that enables the team to put together our client Christmas hampers, that these will be a blessing to those living in a time of darkness.
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