Growing up physically is a natural and expected reality for the majority of people. Growing up emotionally into mature adults is also expected but can vary greatly from individual to individual. This is a normal and accepted part of life.

Many people on Christmas Eve, especially the young, are excited by thinking about what they might receive under the Christmas tree the next day. Maybe it will be that much longed for toy or gadget. As we get older, even the smallest gift matters – it is an indication that someone cares for us.

As we celebrate Christmas, it can be easy to simply see Jesus as ‘baby Jesus’, a helpless babe. Yet in Paul’s letter to the Colossian church, he gives us an awe-inspiring picture of just who Jesus is. Paul describes Jesus as the very image and reality of God Himself.

Christmas is often a time to say, ‘thank you’. Perhaps we have received a gift from someone, or an act of kindness – or perhaps someone has tirelessly helped us throughout the year, and so we want to show our appreciation.

For many people, Christmas can be a sad time as they remember loved ones who are no longer with them. Perhaps others are separated by geography, or perhaps through work – those in the armed forces, for example.

Many people like to attend church services at Christmas time – these are often special times of gathering, with familiar carols and Bible readings. In the time of Nehemiah, after re-building the walls of Jerusalem was seen as an ideal time for the people to meet for worship – to give thanks to God who had brought them thus far.

People like stories. There is something about a story that we can immerse ourselves in, imagine ourselves in, relate to. Have you ever thought why we tell the Christmas story?

One of the things we associate with the Christmas celebrations is eating and drinking – a time, if we are so blessed, to celebrate with those we love. For others, it might be that we cannot be with those we love and care for, perhaps because of work commitments, geographical distance, or loss. 

What a privilege and incredible responsibility it must have been to be Joseph and Mary, the earthly parents of Jesus, entrusted with the care of the long-promised Christ child. In verses 39 and 40 of Luke chapter 2, it tells us that following the consecration ceremony in Jerusalem, Joseph and Mary took Jesus home – they literally lived every day with Jesus!

Luke chapter 2 tells us that when the time had come, Joseph and Mary, in keeping with the Law of Moses, took Jesus to the temple in Jerusalem to be consecrated.