All around the world, people are preparing. The fridges are filled; the tables are set; the gifts are wrapped and waiting under the tree. The tinsel shimmers and Sinatra sings, as the world prepares for Christmas. It’s a wonderful time, a joyful time; we should all be so excited. So why, for so many of us, does it feel so hard?

A reflection on Luke 2:1-20 given to Sanctuary, 23 December 2018 (our early Christmas service) © Alison Sampson, 2018.