God is not just for Christmas | Andy Elmes | 18th December 2022

Pastor Andy speaks today about the Spirit & Atmosphere of Christmas. The true meaning of Christmas is Christ Jesus the Messiah who was given to us by God. The Christmas spirit seems to make people happy, indeed our Christmas cards are full of the words, Love, Joy, and Peace - things the world seems unable to provide! But do we lose all this the minute we pack away the Christmas tree, or is God for life, not just for Christmas? Ps Andy continues with quotes from the famous Scriptures in Isaiah 9:6 "For unto us a child is born....." and Luke 2:8 “an angel appeared to the shepherds bringing good news that will cause great joy to all the people....” The message here is for Great Joy to all people, not just some. Because God so loved the world and gave His only begotten Son it follows He is the gift of Love and Joy and Peace that lasts beyond a moment or a season, but forever in our lives if we accept Him. We often use the phrase 'Merry Christmas', but in fact, the gift, the atmosphere of God can provide for our whole lives. 

We do not need to return to a season of no love, no joy, and no peace after the 12 days of Christmas! God wants to be the gift that keeps on giving throughout the year, even in harsh times. Let us not pack God away after Christmas. God is for life and not just for Christmas, just like a dog is for life. It's not just for a moment; it's for the life that follows. God wants us to enjoy a relationship with Him, not a Festival about him. Let us keep the Love, Joy, and Peace in our hearts for all time and enjoy the fruits of a relationship with God as we take to our hearts the real good news of this season.