Christmas Day celebrates the life of the most extraordinary man who ever lived. Yet, just who was Jesus?

In Silver Linings, Terry Lees share two articles that provide answers you might not normally expect to find in traditional media but, in these cases, that’s exactly where they were published. They are inspirational in reminding us of the true meaning of Christmas.

Terry explains that it is in the light of the stable and the sight of the child that we realise for what we must spend our efforts in this war-torn, confused, exploitative world: Whatever we have done or hope to do, we must make this world better.

As we celebrate Christmas, Terry Lees encourages us to pause for a moment to offer thanks for this year and for our own lives.

In Christmas Gifts from God, Terry Lees explains why he loves Christmas, his favourite time of year, a time to be with family, foster love, togetherness and sharing, reaffirming and strengthening of the positive values that bind us together. It’s a time to celebrate life, the past year, remember when’s, share stories, laugh together, create new and lasting memories.

Christmas is a time of giving and receiving. Yet, Terry shares that as he’s grown older, the Christmas gifts he’s become more aware of, are those from God - the message of Bethlehem: love, forgiveness, salvation.

Terry speaks of the humanity of Jesus, one of us, of the extent of the love of God and of the true meaning of Christmas. Christmas Gifts from God is compelling listening.

In Silver linings, Terry Lees shares a touching story of what happened when a young boy was told “There is no Santa Claus.”

It is a story which highlights the meaning of Christmas is a time of joyful giving. As Jesus teaches: Give and gifts will be given to you; a good measure, packed together, shaken down, and overflowing, will be poured into your lap. [Luke 6:38].

Nobody sees Santa Claus but that is no sign that there is no Santa Claus. The most real things in the world are those that neither children nor men can see.... Thank God! He lives, and he lives forever.

In Silver linings, Terry Lees shares: Years ago, one of my loved ones shared an amazing experience. Due to a crisis in her life, she felt depressed, suffering low self-esteem. 

While at work filling the cereal shelves of a supermarket, a loved one came across a small card deliberately placed. The front side read: To the person who finds this card. You are LOVED … On the rear was written: …and you have incredible value.

Those few words, a simple gesture from some unknown Good Samaritan, sent her spirits soaring, resulting in a complete change of attitude that lifted her from depression to positive expectancy and joy. You are LOVED … and you have incredible value.

Terry claims that your relationship with yourself is the most defining factor in shaping the kind of life you live. Listen as Terry explores love.

“I will honour Christmas in my heart and try to keep it all the year. I will live in the Past, the Present, and the Future. The Spirits of all Three shall strive within me. I will not shut out the lessons that they teach!"

Charles Dickens wrote these words in his famous story, A Christmas Carol. first published in London in December 1843. The first edition sold out by Christmas eve. The story captured the imagination of the British public at a time they were exploring and reevaluating past Christmas traditions and it led to a revival of the Christmas holiday. It also inspired the concept of family gatherings, seasonal food and drink, and a festive generosity of spirit.

In Silver Linings, Terry Lees examines how, with just a few weeks to go, it is beginning to look a lot like Christmas.

Eagles are born with big, heavy wings. They learn to fly without actually flapping their wings. They do this to conserve energy. Instead, they rely on wind thermals, a gust of wind that will rise from the atmosphere. The wind lifts the eagles and with a mix of flying and soaring they rise. Their wings are spread straight out, and they soar with perfect ease on the wind currents.

In Silver Linings, Terry Lees claims we are all made to fly high in life, that we need to take leaps of faith at special times in our lives. We learn to reach into the deep reservoirs of ability and potential that is within us.

The blessed Feast of Christmas was established over 2000 years ago to honour and glorify the birth of the most important Man who ever lived.

In Silver Linings, Terry Lees speaks of the real Santa Claus and of the true meaning of Christmas, as he recalls a flood of memories from his own childhood. He shares too the excitement of his young granddaughter and her desire to make Christmas extra-special for her family.

It’s Christmas time and leading up to Christmas, Christmas songs abound. You hear them on the radio and television, in shopping malls and stores, as you’re wandering the grocery aisles or waiting to get your car serviced. They flow from concert halls, school auditoriums and church sanctuaries.

In Silver Linings, Terry Lees shares that at Church or at home, it is the familiar and beloved Christmas Carols that express so simply and eloquently the true meaning of Christmas. No matter how often we sing them during the days of Christmas, the Carols never fail to inspire.

Nelson Mandela, the first black President of South Africa and the first President to be elected in a fully representative election, spent 27 years in prison, right up until apartheid ended. He had every reason to hate the people who put him there and his captors.

In Silver Linings, Terry Lees shares a remarkable true story of Nelson Mandela, as told by former US President Bill Clinton, that highlights why Mandela was such a great human being.  Terry Lees explains that letting go of resentment and hate towards others is the not a weakness – it is in fact the strongest, most empowering thing you can do for yourself. Thinking negative thoughts about the one who wronged you will not harm that person in any way, shape or form…the only person it hurts is you.

People of faith believe that God is always with us. At some times we fail to recognise God’s presence.

“Footprints in the Sand” is frequently framed for display in living rooms and bedrooms. You can buy keychains and tea towels and decorative plates featuring this well-known piece of writing. It’s not scripture, but “Footprints in the Sand” does offer hope for those who recognise God’s promises between the lines. 

In Silver Linings, Terry Lees explains that Footprints in the Sand is one of the most beautiful writings on the love God has for us. God is everywhere, every time and with everybody.