Sermon For Christmas

Gilbert Keith Chesterton, usually referred to as: G. K. Chesterton, an English writer, philosopher and lay theologian once remarked: “Christmas is built upon a beautiful and intentional paradox; that the birth of the homeless should be celebrated in every home.” Matthew 1:18-21 reminds us: “Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”

Christmas is considered by many to be one of the most important holidays of the year. For Christians, it is probably predominant. It is certainly a magical time for children. In the current climate, however, the true meaning of Christmas is often forgotten and replaced by commercialism. It sometimes entails over-indulgence of food and drink. It should be a time when we consider those less fortunate than ourselves. It is a time for giving and a time for sharing. It is a time when our primary intention should be to bring joy and happiness to others. Acts 20:35 reminds us: “In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

The season of goodwill was approaching fast. Most of the shops had their Christmas decorations and lights on display and the main store in the town had a large poster incorporating an image of Santa Claus in the window, informing customers that he would be in attendance at the store the following week and every day until Christmas Eve.

A young boy was out shopping with his mother when he noticed the large poster displayed prominently in the window. He immediately recognised Santa. Curiously he asked his mother what it said? She responded: "Father Christmas is arriving at the store next week and if a child has been good, then he will be happy to listen to what the child would like for Christmas." "Oh Mummy,” The boy said “Will you please take me? I believe that I have been good this year. I have never met Santa in person. It would be so nice to see him and give him a Christmas card." His mother responded: "Well, if you promise to be good from now until Christmas, I will see what I can do." "Thank you, Mummy." The boy replied, "I promise that I will be the best little boy in the whole wide world."

The following week, the mother kept her promise and took the boy to see Father Christmas at the store. They both went into the grotto which was adorned with festive decorations and twinkling Christmas lights. Father Christmas or Santa Claus as he is more widely known, was sitting in a large chair draped with velvet. He was surrounded by wrapped Christmas presents and soft Christmas music was playing in the background to enhance the ambience. Santa was wearing a red tunic with large white fake faux fur trimmings on the edges of his collar and sleeves, an enormous red hat with a bauble, black boots and a huge belt with a golden buckle around his waist. He was well-built in physique, typical of the pictures the boy had seen in magazines. He proudly displayed a long white beard that nearly reached the belt on his waist to complete the outfit. Isaiah 63:2 asks: Why is your apparel red, and your garments like his who treads in the wine-press?

He smiled at the boy and said: “Ho, ho ho, Merry Christmas little fellow, and what would you like Santa to bring you for Christmas?” He held out his hands and beckoned the boy to sit on his knee. “Please Santa.” The boy began, “I would like a “Thomas the Tank Engine” train set, I have always wanted one of those, I would also like a cowboy outfit to wear when I am playing Cowboys and Indians with my friends, a colouring book and crayons, a blackboard and easel, a new teddy bear as my present one is getting very old now, and finally some new toy soldiers. I always get clothes from the rest of my family which are okay, but these are the presents that I would really love to receive. Here is a Christmas card for you.”