Advent Reflection: 7th December - Chris Palmer

Every day this Advent we will be sharing reflections from Christian authors. Today's is by Chris Palmer.

Getting Together for Christmas!

Getting together for Christmas is part of a modern tradition, when family and friends make the effort to get together for some quality time. It’s time to catch up on the latest news, enjoy a meal together and exchange gifts.

Getting together is a theme we find in the story of the first nativity. Following the news that she would have a child, Mary went to visit her relative Elizabeth (Luke 1:39–56). This was some serious news to catch up on and share with a trusted loved one! When the child Jesus was born, shepherds came from the fields to visit the family (Luke 2:8–20) and see if the news they had received was in fact true. Finally, we read of some wise men who travelled a great distance to see the child and give gifts to the family (Matt 2:1–12). These different people from different backgrounds all got together for one reason: Jesus. Christmas time brings family and friends together. However, the true togetherness of Christmas is only found in Jesus. It is only Jesus who can bring all different sorts of people together and unite them through a common message, that of the gospel.

The people mentioned above who got together at that first Christmas reflect God’s intention for humanity. Family members need to hear the good news of the gospel, that’s why Mary went to Elizabeth. Has your family heard about the true message of Christmas – that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners? Why not decide this year to tell a family member about the love of Jesus?

The shepherds represent those who live around us, the ordinary everyday people you see on the bus or train, at the gym or in work. They too have a right to hear the message that Jesus came to bring them together into the family of God.

As you think about your neighbours this Christmas have you told them the true message of the season? In fact, the wisemen who travelled far to see the child Jesus speak of the need for God’s message to be heard by everyone, bringing people together from every tribe, nation, language and culture. The Christmas message, as John 3:16 reminds us, is for the ‘whosoever’ – the whole world. Do you have a heart this Christmas to see people from around the world united in Christ?

Getting together with family and friends at Christmas is a great thing – but Christians have an even greater reason to be together! Jesus is the one who truly unites people. He came to bring together the church of God which consists of those close to us and those far away. May this Christmas be a time when more people get together and focus on Jesus as the centre of the season.

The Emergence of Pentecostalism in Wales by Chris Palmer: This book considers some of the important theological, political and social influences which shaped the brand of Pentecostalism that emerged in South East Wales in the early twentieth century—a movement which was to have a wide ranging influence on subsequent Pentecostal history far beyond the borders of Wales.

Click here to find out more!