DAY 24 - A REAL LIVE BABY!

Our displays reached a climax this evening, in Flat 2a where we began this ADVENTure!  And tonight, thanks to Sebastian (aged just 2 weeks and 6 days!) we were graced with a real, live baby.  What a beautiful little boy, accompanied by Mum Fiona and Gran Lynn (who kindly agreed to don a beard for the occasion, acting as Joseph).

Somehow, having baby Sebastian with us provided a new dimension to this whole ADVENTure.  After all, the aim had always been to tell out the true meaning of Christmas.   It was fitting that we should return to the garage where we began, where on Day 1 a simple candle shone in the darkness - reminding us of the words of John 1:1-4 - the light shines in darkness, but the darkness has not overcome it.

Thus, the Christ-child was REVEALED.   But we cannot forget the lessons of some of the other displays, especially the one that showed a sign over the Bethlehem Inn showing:  "No Room".   That reminds us that the one who was REVEALED was also REJECTED.   Again, John1 declares that Christ came to his own people, but they rejected him.   We are challenged during Advent, in this busy, modern, crowded world, to make room for Jesus Christ.  By and large, he has been crowded out and rejected.

But the same gospel message reminds us that some, at least, RECEIVED him.  And to those who believed in him was given the right to become "Children of God".  That brings all the blessings and privileges of enjoying "God with us":  

• peace with God, so that there is no distance between God and humankind;
• justification before God, so that we are cleansed and acquitted of the guilt of our wrongdoing and sin;
• access to God - the privilege of being able to talk with God through prayer;
• hope of glory - God's presence with us in the here and now, as well; as the sure and certain hope of resurrection to eternal life to come;
• God's love - spread throughout our changed lives through God's Holy Spirit.

We hope you have enjoyed taking this ADVENTure with us.  It has been a pleasure meeting so many new people and enjoying new company.   The good news is that, for those who RECEIVE the Christ-child, the real adventure has only just begun.  For the same Christ who was born a baby in Bethlehem promises to change our lives, our church and our community.  

Yes - the ADVENTure has only just begun!  Happy Christmas!!

May God grant us all the light of Christmas, which is faith;
The warmth of Christmas, which is purity;
The righteousness of Christmas, which is justice;
The belief of Christmas, which is truth;

...And the ALL of Christmas, which is Christ himself!