Author: Carol Purves

A Tough Christmas

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As we approach this Christmas season it is likely that things are not going well with us. We are probably struggling financially and we aren’t able afford the presents and trappings that we feel would make our Christmas better. Some of us are dreading the empty chair that will be at our festivities. Maybe the family and friends we still have are not compatible and we are expecting tensions.

That first Christmas wasn’t a bundle of laughs for Mary and Joseph either. Being heavily pregnant and expecting a long ride wasn’t going to be pleasant for Mary. Mary and Joseph were parted from family and friends who had come to accept their illegal situation. Strangers wouldn’t be so tolerant. The long trip to Bethlehem would incur financial strain to the couple as Joseph would be away from his workshop.You could say Jesus came down to earth with a bump, all because of His love for us.

Tears are Prayers

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I pray that I may never lose the ability to cry. It isn’t that I want gushing crocodile tears but just ones that are described as ‘a tear in my eye.’ We hear of sad tragic stories, we read of the horrors of war and on our own doorsteps we notice little human sadnesses. These tales tug at our heart-strings.Our minds contract and a pricking is felt behind the eye.

We pray that we may always be moved to compassion, there is no shortages of troubles in this world. In many cases there is nothing or little we can do. Often we are not even sure how to pray.We read Psalm 56 that our prayers are so precious to Him that He puts them in a bottle.

We have a good example in Jesus, when we read that He wept. His heart was moved with compassion when He was here on this earth. What a privilege it is for us also to weep. In our tears we know that we are no alone. We weep for the world; Christ weeps for the world. Our sorrows are His sorrows. With the hymn-writer we can say, ‘could our tears for ever flow,’ for ourselves and for the world.Jesus didn’t just weep, He came and redeemed.

My Garden

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Any lack of gardening knowledge on my part is made up by my enthusiasm. Now I’ve moved from my large garden with the four lawns to a bungalow with only one small lawn. I find that round the edge of the lawn is ‘planted’ a border of small stones which go down to a depth of six inches and completely cover any soil. Obviously the previous owner was too old to cope with any gardening but has left me with a problem.

With help I’ve cleared a border of about two yards and have planted nearly 100 daffodil bulbs. We’ve also scattered poppy and forget-me-not seeds. I’ve planted a few of my raspberries bushes and a small white rose bush. As well as my very weedy lawn I’ve inherited a hydrangea bush and a small red fuchsia. The birds don’t yet recognise my bird table, but I will be patient. I long for next spring when I hope to encourage butterflies and bees. I want my dead and ‘foodless’ garden to come alive.

New Beginnings

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I’m so grateful that ‘new every morning is God’s love.’ I go to bed realising that I’ve mucked up once again. I’ve not kept the resolutions I made the day before. I’ve done all the things I vowed not to do – lost my temper, been selfish, gone my own way and not the Lord’s. The list could go on and on, failure and defeat.

When I wake each morning I recall my failings of the previous day. As I make my new resolutions I know I won’t keep them. I could despair until I recognise that once again I’m acting under my own strength and once again that doesn’t work. Fortunately God has a short memory and doesn’t keep a record of all my past sins. He doesn’t remember that I’ve failed again and again and God gives me another chance each time. Once again He gives me that chance to follow Him more closely day by day. The dawning of the new morning will give me the opportunity to love Him more dearly. And He doesn’t leave me to struggle on my own, He sends the Holy Spirit to help me.

Light of the World

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Every Christmas I find that for me a particular theme occurs, different every year. In the past it has been the ‘kings’ or the ‘shepherds’. Last year I found there were many references to stars or the ‘Star’.This year everything I read or listen to seems to include ‘light’ and God as the ‘light of the world.’

I know it’s not possible for the days to be darker this year, though they seem so be, but the days are still getting shorter for a week or so. With so many conflicts round the world, Israel, Ukraine and others, darkness is trying to get a grip. But we are reminded in Revelation ‘the city has no sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light and it’s light is the Lamb.’

‘Sent out Your light and Your truth, let them guide me, Psalms 43:3 and ‘The Lord will be your everlasting light,’ Isaiah 60:20. And again in that chapter ‘Arise, shine, for Your light is come’ verse 1. May we absorb and reflect that Light this Christmas.

Preparation

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This Thursday is possibly about the time that we realise we are not as advanced with our Christmas preparation as we should be. Baking, card-posting, letter writing, church activities, house decorations, all are not as far ahead as we had hoped. But wait, important as those things are, they are not as important as preparing our hearts. Are we busy getting our souls ready for our Christmas?

We are busy getting ready for our Christmas, all the shops are full and funds are getting low.

There is just so much to do, have we time for what is true? We have still to buy the nuts and mistletoe.

But are we ready for the Baby in the manger? Are we ready for the One who can save souls?

He is coming, do not doubt, with an angel song and shout, Are you ready for the coming King of Kings?

Carols

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We sing and hear them every Advent and Christmas. It is likely that we know most of the words off by heart. Some years they are jazzed up, other years they are slowed down but they remain loved by millions. Our nation even runs competitions to determine the country’s most popular. But familiarity should never blind us to the words we are hearing or singing.

One of my favourite carols includes the words ‘But man shall live for evermore because of Christmas Day.’ What a great sentiment, man has the choice, as he has the invitation to live for evermore in the presence of God. In the midst of today’s trouble and turmoil, this is a comforting thought. This is something to look forward to, there is light at the end of the tunnel. This was why Jesus came, to give us life and salvation. In the words of a popular parlance ‘Should we choose to accept it.’

Defying Aging

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I was staggered the other day when I read how much my country each year spends on beauty products and procedures, all to try to defy aging. Some countries revere the old, we try to ignore it. We seem to have a fear of death and dying, though we know it is unavoidable. As I know from experience becoming older can bring pain, illness and suffering, but that can happen at any age.

I find it is actually a privilege to be in my eighties, I have many friends who have not reached this age. God obviously has more work for me to do; I just hope I don’t miss out on the instructions!

Alone

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As we approach the Christmas season with all it’s excitement and celebration we think of those for whom Christmas will be a sad time. Those who are alone with no family or probably worse those who are estranged from the family they have. We think and pray for those who are refugees who are far away from family and country.. Many refugees don’t know where they will be sent. We think of those sleeping on cold pavements or in leaky tents. When the shops are shut they can’t get a few pence to spend on a hot coffee.

We can’t help all those who need our help; there is more need than we can ever cope with, but we have a God who sees and cares. Although we can’t help everyone, maybe there are just one or two who can receive our hospitality and love. In many cases a smile and a kind word will lift someone’s spirit. We will never know how far these small gestures will go. We have a loving Saviour, may we show His love.

Outward Appearances

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I enjoy reading the story of God choosing David to be king of the Israelites instead of his older brothers. Any one of them looked the part to be the leader but God could see into their hearts Their characters were revealed when they admonished David for being at the battle scene and then slaying the mighty Goliath.They only considered him to be their young brother. I wonder if they were jealous when David emerged as the victor.

Do we judge by outward appearances? Do we bother about the colour of people’s skin, their untidy hair or bent backs? I have the blessing of having very good hearing and often hear people make comments about me when they think I am out of their hearing. Sometimes it is a good comment and I am happy; at other times it is not so complimentary and I take note and correct my ways where possible. But in all of this they don’t know my inner self, only God knows that.