As we move into the Christmas season once again our thoughts are likely to turn to Christmas trees, decorations, food, presents and (perhaps) being with the family. Christmas is a time of celebration, whether you are religious or not, a time of special things even for those working on a tight budget. Many will say it’s a time mainly for the children, and there can be truth in this when you see the face of a child that is lit up by the excitement and wonder of it all. But I think as you get older, perhaps slowing down a bit, you begin to savour the specialness in a different way – not outright excitement, but a sense of quiet delight, particularly if friends and family are gathered round.
As part of the Christmas scene we may take in a nativity play at a school or church, or go along to one of the many carol services that will be held. These too can be part of the specialness of the season – part of a tradition almost – without which Christmas just wouldn’t be Christmas. Undoubtedly there is something quite wondrous about being in a candlelit church, singing well known carols and hearing the Christmas story again. It’s something that goes beyond nostalgia – there is a deeper sense of calling than that. You may have heard the phrase “deep calling unto deep” – and that is what is typically going on.
The Christmas story itself is punctuated by such callings. Central to it all is of course the birth of Jesus – a birth foretold by prophets many centuries before it actually happened. Even the location of the birth had been foretold. But also central to the story are the callings – first the shepherds who receive an angelic visitation and invitation to go and see the child – second the wise men, or kings, who had noticed something extraordinary in the star-filled heavenly realm, and felt enticed to follow and explore what might be going on. It was not just the good of heart who realised something different was about to happen in the world, for King Herod, symbolic of worldly power and authority, also perceived a threat to his position. Through present day TV series like Doctor Who we hear of ripples or shifts in the “space-time continuum” – the birth of Jesus was just like that, a seemingly small event that from its smallness signalled a significant change in everything from then on.
My belief is that the calling to understand the change continues into the present day – it’s part and parcel of why Christmas has that special feel, why things like carol services have that particular appeal. It’s deep calling unto deep, even if we don’t quite understand the reason why. Whatever your circumstances this Christmas, my hope and prayer for you is that the true peace and joy of Jesus may enter your heart and mind – it’s a change, calling and invitation for us all.
Tony Stephens